Here is a creative scam designed for a theif to obtain both your ATM card and your PIN at the same time!
View photos and the full story at:
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/atm/atmtheft.asp
Here is a summary of how the scam operates:
In our first slide you see an individual who apparently is making a bank transaction at the ATM. What he really is doing is placing a trap in the ATM machine to “capture” the next user card. Altering the ATMs is a risky business, these individuals work in teams. The lookout warns of any possible eye witnesses or of the next potential victim. Here we see the next client using the ATM, after the trap has been set. He inserts his card and begins his transaction. The ATM card is confiscated, and the customer is confused, asking himself, Why has my card been confiscated? However, here we see the cavalry coming to help, (HELP!!!). Here we see the thief pretending to help. What he is really doing is trying to gain the “customers” PIN, now that he has captured his card. The good Samaritan convinces the “Customer” He can recover the card, if he presses his PIN at the same time the Samaritan press “cancel” and “enter”. After several attempts the “customer” is convinced his card has been confiscated. The “customer” and the Samaritan leave the ATM. Satisfied the area is clear, the thief returns to recover the confiscated card from his trap. He not only has the card, he also has the PIN the “customer” provided unknowingly. In possession of the card and the PIN he leaves the ATM with money from the “Customers” account. The trap is made up of XRAY film, which is the preferred material by thieves; Simply because of the black color which is similar in appearance to the slot on the card reader. The trap is then inserted into the ATM slot. Care is taken not to insert the entire film into the slot, the ends are folded and contain glue strips for better adhesion to the inner and outer surface of the slots. Once the ends are firmly glued and fixed to the slot, it is almost impossible to detect by unsuspecting clients. Slits are cut into both sides of the trap, This prevents your card being returned prior to completing your transaction. As soon as the “Customer” has gone, and they have your PIN, the thief can remove the glued trap, by grasping the folded tips, he simply pulls the trap out that has retained your card.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Once your card has been confiscated, observe the ATM slot and
the card reader for any signs of tampering. Should you see the film tips glued to the slot, unglue, pull the trap out and recover your card.
- Report IMMEDIATELY to the Bank.
