ATM fraud happens when you use an ATM that has been tampered with and your physical card or card details are stolen.
How it happens
Card fraud can be committed using ATMs, resulting in your card being unexpectedly retained by the cash machine, or the card details being ‘skimmed’ and a counterfeit card being produced/used thereafter.
Card Skimming is when a fraudster will place a false device on the ATM or card machine. The card skimming device is often the shape and colour of the ATM to capture the information in the magnetic stripe when you unknowingly insert your card. The fraudster may watch you put your PIN in or place a covert camera nearby to obtain the PIN. With this information, they may be able to produce a counterfeit card and withdraw money from your account.
Card Trapping devices will allow you to insert your card into the cash machine but will not allow you to complete your withdrawal or receive your card back. The ATM may detect a blockage and may take itself out of service. Typically, the fraudster will obtain your PIN using a hidden PIN hole camera or someone nearby will inform you this has also happened to them and ask you to input your PIN, so that the card can be returned.
How to protect yourself
Follow the advice below to help protect yourself and your business against ATM fraud:
- Remain vigilant when using an ATM in public, and never allow yourself to be distracted.
- Shield your PIN when using the card machine.
- Examine the ATM for any evidence that suggests it could have been tampered with-such as metal shavings, glue or sticky residue around the card slot entry, the card placement being bent slightly, or the decal beneath the card reader being discoloured.
- Report if your card has been retained immediately to your card issuer, as the fraudster is likely to try and use your card.
- Report to the police if your card is taken by the machine, either at a local police station, over the telephone or on the police website.
- Don’t attempt to remove a false device if it is still on the card machine, the fraudster may still be nearby and could use violence to prevent you from removing it.
- Never re-input your PIN if your card is not returned to you.
- Fraudsters can tamper with an ATM to try and steal your card details. Where possible, try and use an ATM located within a bank.
How to report it
If you believe you have been a victim of this type of fraud, please report it to us or your bank.
You should also report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the Action Fraud website. If you are in Scotland, please report to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.