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South Africans are becoming increasingly oblivious to what we presume are lesser acts of crime.
We are bombarded with news of serious, violent crimes such as rape and murder,
but forget that even using an ATM makes you vulnerable.
The growing use of ATMs has led criminals to devise numerous scams, such as ATM shoulder surfing, card skimming,
card swapping, and trapping cards inside ATMs. These tactics allow fraudsters to steal card information
or the physical card itself, which is then used to withdraw cash or make fraudulent purchases in the area.
Card Swapping:
During an ATM transaction, criminals interfere with the victim and swap their card, often after the victim has entered their PIN.
Typically, a group of criminals works together—one distracts the victim while another swaps the card.
The victim often leaves the ATM with the wrong card, unaware of the switch.
The criminals then use the stolen card and the PIN to make quick withdrawals before the card is cancelled.
ATM Skimming:
Skimming devices can be used at ATMs to steal card information.
In one scenario, a person claiming to work for the bank may convince a victim to swipe their card through a handheld skimming device under the guise of reactivating the card.
This can occur before or after the victim has made a withdrawal.
Often, other criminals linger nearby, watching to obtain the victim’s PIN.
In some cases, the criminal may damage the ATM slot, and when the victim struggles to insert the card, the fraudster intervenes, skims the card, and returns it—only for the victim to realize later that their account has been compromised.
ATM-Mounted Skimming Devices:
Fraudsters may attach skimming devices over the ATM’s card slot.
These devices are designed to look like legitimate card readers, making them hard to detect.
While the false reader captures the card’s magnetic strip data, a small hidden camera records the victim’s PIN, enabling the criminals to access the account.
Lebanese Loop:
This technique involves inserting a thin plastic film into the ATM’s card slot and trapping the card inside.
After the victim receives their cash and receipt but finds their card stuck, the criminal—who has already observed the PIN—retrieves the trapped card and uses it to withdraw funds.
Safety Measures when using an ATM:
Remain aware of your surroundings.
Avoid ATMs with suspicious individuals nearby, as fraudsters often present themselves as well-dressed and respectable.
If your card is removed and reinserted without your knowledge, cancel the transaction immediately and contact your bank using the toll-free number displayed on the ATM or the back of your card.
After completing your transaction, leave promptly. Be wary of strangers asking you to return to the ATM for any reason, as this could be an attempt to skim your card.
Never force your card into the slot if it doesn’t fit easily; the ATM may have been tampered with.
If the ATM retains your card, do not leave until you have cancelled the card.
Keep your PIN confidential, and never write it down or share it.
Choose a difficult guess PIN and avoid using personal information, such as your birthdate.
Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect it from being seen or recorded.
Be cautious of people loitering around ATMs and ensure you are not being followed after withdrawing cash.
Set a daily withdrawal limit to minimize losses if your card is compromised.
If the ATM seems faulty, cancel the transaction immediately and use another machine.
Never allow children to withdraw money on your behalf, as they are more vulnerable.
Have your card ready before approaching the ATM to avoid distractions.
Report any unusual attachments on ATMs to the bank immediately.
Use well-lit ATMs in familiar locations.
Avoid ATMs in garages and desolate and dimly lit places.
Do not accept help from strangers, including security personnel, while at the ATM—visit the bank if you need assistance.
Avoid using ATMs where the card slot or keypad appears to have been tampered with.
If possible, do not withdraw money alone - rather take a family member or friend with you.
If you have been a victim of theft at an ATM or ATM fraud,
it is your responsibility to go to the nearest police station and open a case.
Stay vigilant!
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
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