Being Aware Of Automated Teller Machine (Atm) Scams

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) functions to let people check their money balance on their bank accounts. These machines are sensitive in many aspects and can also be the main thing that the scammer use to scam their victims. Many incidents around the world involve ATM's as it stores much money and is in public places. You can be in trouble if you're unaware of how scammers use these machines to scam people. Fear, not because this article will help you to know what are the right actions to be made if faced with such circumstances.

What Type Of Scams You Might Encounter?

The following scams are most likely to occur. Be aware that the types will not be limited by the following, so it is advised for you to be on guard at all times.

•    Jack potting attacks

The scammers that use this type of scam will install software to the ATM, which will give them accessibility to control the part where the money is dispensed, by that, they can easily take the money or can cause the worst-case scenarios.

•    Use of Skimmer devices

Scammer's priority in this scam is to get or record your PIN so they can duplicate your card and make one for their own. Basically, they will put a skimmer device on the top of the card slot where the copying or recording of your PIN takes place.

•    Use of shimming devices

In this type of scam, the scammers will also prioritise duplicating something important from your card. Like the skimmer devices, these things are also installed at the top of the card slot of the ATM, but this time, it will record your card's chip information. They will also make duplicate copies of your debit card so they can get all of the money that you save in your bank account.

•    Cash-out scam

The scammers in this scam will cash out all of the money on several accounts in the same institution. They will cash out all of the money in the ATM using the duplicated cards they get from several skimmer devices attacks, with the backup of a hacked credentials from a bank employee. 

What Are The Things You Should Do To Avoid These Circumstances?

•    Check the ATM first.

Of course, the first thing to do is to check the ATM first. Check them if there are unusual things about them, and if some malfunctions are occurring, it will help you avoid ATM fraud.

•    Protect your card and PIN

To be even safer, don't tell your PIN to anyone. Don't trust text messages that are asking for your PIN or even card information.

•    Observe your surroundings

If you feel like something is unusual, be on guard. Don't try your luck because there are things that can happen in a blink of an eye.

•    Choose a reliable place.

Pick the best place to withdraw your money. Official establishments for ATM are your best options as guards are guarding the machines themselves.