What are the risks associated with ATMs?
Insert card into ATM – Source: spm
Prudence is the mother of safety, as they say! Unfortunately, after a period of calm, vending machines have once again become a perfect target for cybercriminals. Now that they have been put in the way with the gradual replacement of magnetic cards by more modern cards with integrated chips, which are much more difficult to counterfeit, combined with the evolution of the machines themselves for withdrawing money , they fully exploit old vulnerabilities and go all out.
Rest assured, there are still ways not to be fooled. But, we will have to open our eyes and remain very vigilant. To ensure that the ATM has not been tampered with, here are the factors to consider:
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This is one of the most common techniques used by scammers. Why go and take the risk of robbing yourself at the bank’s gates, when they can have access to your private data without even lifting a finger? All they have to do is place a fake keyboard superimposed on the original. And presto, as soon as you enter your PIN code, this fake keypad, which is connected to a mobile device, transmits all the data directly to the criminals. As simple as hello! So, don’t be fooled and check the keyboard meticulously before typing the keys. If it wobbles or if you detect the slightest anomaly, change distributor and alert the authorities.
Another common trap: fraudsters tamper with the “skimmer”, the famous slot where you insert your credit card. By introducing it, they can access the magnetic tape and clone it. Yes, it is chilling! So, before you even make your withdrawal, manipulate this area to see if there is anything suspicious. Similarly, it also happens that the criminals outright install a fake slot with a video tape. Once inserted, it is trapped. You then think that the counter swallowed your card. Beware of this technique which has caused quite a few victims! The best thing is to observe this device carefully to make sure that it does not move easily or that the slot is not too wide. If you have any doubts or you are not reassured, go to another ATM.
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Beware of fake cameras
Security cameras are usually supposed to reassure us. Alas, thieves also take advantage of this secure option to deceive you. It is not uncommon for them to install a camera on the counter pointed at the keypad to capture your secret code. Yes, you should have thought of that! And these smart guys often get their way. What’s worse is that it’s very easy for them to stick a “temporarily unavailable” sign on certain counters, in order to push you towards the one they have tampered with. The best advice we can give you is to always stay alert. Be on your guard, watch for the slightest irregularity or deformity.
But beware, apart from these sophisticated methods, some criminals still prefer the traditional method, using force or violence to rob their victims. So always be aware of what is going on around you. Stay away from risky areas, analyze the suspicious attitude of strangers and beware of prying eyes. And in the worst-case scenario, in the event of theft, remember to immediately alert your bank to oppose and cancel your cards.
Withdrawing money from the ATM – Source: spm
When you make a transaction at an ATM, your priority is to ensure your own security and that of your bank account. We quite agree, don’t we? So, to do this, there are necessarily certain precautions to be taken. So follow our advice to have peace of mind.
As much as possible, avoid withdrawing money at night, or at least in poorly lit or even completely deserted places. Especially if you are not accompanied! And if by chance, you watch someone hidden behind the counter or anything that makes you uncomfortable, get away quickly and well done. If you suspect the presence of a criminal, do not hesitate to report it to the police.
Point important : When entering the PIN code, if someone is around, place your hand on the keypad to hide the combination. Then remove your card, pocket the tickets immediately and your receipt after each transaction. It goes without saying, of course, but the slightest distraction can be fatal. And remember, discretion should always be in order. Do not have fun counting your money on the spot, wait to be in a safe place to do it!
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Maximize your card protection
Memorize your PIN code by heart, do not write it down anywhere. And above all, never tell anyone, not even your mother, your beloved son or your best friend. This is an indisputable rule to be respected at all costs! And of course, don’t give your card to anyone, even if you’re too lazy to withdraw money. You never know what can happen. Another tip: immediately report a lost or stolen card. If you delay the deadline, you will be held responsible for the various activities on your bank account! As we raised above, avoid cash withdrawals at night as much as possible, and especially in isolated places, even the police advise against it. It should be noted, however, that criminals do not wait for darkness to rob their victims either, even in busy areas. So, always be on the lookout and analyze the distributor well before you start!
Can an ATM be wrong?
Yes, indeed, ATMs are not infallible and can make mistakes. And, it’s even very annoying, because it can waste a lot of time and incur additional costs. An ATM, by accident, may record a deposit amount incorrectly, dispense too much or too little cash, fail to issue a receipt, or swallow a customer’s card. In which case, it requires a whole journey and paperwork via your bank to settle these hassles. It’s rather rare, but the most spectacular technical error occurs when the counter “loses the ball” and begins to distribute tickets to everyone who passes by, including those who do not have a ticket. money in their accounts or no account at all.
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