By: Joe Mancini, Security Manager East Boston
Savings Bank
You’re
reviewing your bank account transactions online when you realize that there are
transactions present that you certainly did not authorize or even have knowledge
of. You contact your bank to dispute the
charges and that’s when it hits you, someone got your card information and was
able to make these purchases. “How did
this happen? I never left my card
anywhere. I always keep my card in my wallet!”
The last place you remember using your card was at the ATM in the mall
the other day. You didn’t leave your
card there, but somehow someone was able to get your card information and use
it for their advantage. Welcome to the
world of ATM fraud.
A
fraudster may install a skimming device in an ATM. A skimming device works by reading the card
information (such as card number) used during the transaction. These skimming devices are typically
installed into or over the ATM card slot.
Some ATM fraud cases involve the suspect installing a small wireless
camera in a pamphlet holder. The
pamphlet holder is strategically placed so that the camera in it could capture
your personal identification number (PIN) while you type the numbers on the
keypad. Chances are you may not even
look twice at the pamphlet holder, let alone notice the camera inside of
it. The suspect may sit in a car in the
parking lot with a laptop, viewing a live stream video of you typing in your
PIN. So now the suspect has successfully
skimmed your card information and your PIN without you
even knowing.
Some
of the more sophisticated fraud groups may even go as far as to purchase or
lease and operate their own ATM machines.
They could even have the machines placed in malls, gas stations, convenient
stores, etc. Once they are purchased or
leased, the suspects install card information reading instruments into the
machines, such as skimming devices.
These ATM’s can be setup to complete actual withdrawals meanwhile they
steal your card information including any information on the card’s magnetic
strip as well as your PIN. Imagine the
damage that 10, 20 or 30 of these ATM’s could create, especially when statistics
show that approximately 80% of Americans have an ATM card and 60% of them use it
an average of 8 times per month.
The
above examples are only two of the various types of ATM fraud schemes out there
today. The key to not becoming a victim
of this type of fraud is awareness.
Being aware of what to look for and knowing how to respond will help you
from becoming a victim. The following
are some important ATM tips you should consider:
-If
the machine retains your card, be aware for “overly-friendly” assistance from
another customer who states that the same thing just happened to them, then
tells you to re-enter your PIN and to try the transaction again. Also, contact
your Bank immediately.
-Watch
for individuals who may be “shoulder surfing” while you enter your PIN.
-Use
ATM machines that are well lit, in a safe location and have by security
cameras.
-Review
your monthly account statements or even better review your transactions online
if possible, regularly. Report any
issues to your Bank immediately.
-Never
disclose your PIN number to anyone.
- Immediately
contact your bank if you observe any suspicious activity while at the ATM site.