In 2006, there were more than 10 billion ATM transactions In North America.
Scenario: You are at the ATM trying to withdraw money. The readout indicates that you have exceeded your limit for the day. Funny, you haven't taken any money out today.
Scam: A criminal has stolen your card information and PIN number, produced his own version of your card and is bleeding your bank account.
Scam artists use many innovative ways to obtain your bank information. They may tamper with legitimate automated teller machines (ATMs) or produce their own dummy machines all without the public's knowledge. Dummy machines will look like real ATMs and once you have swiped your card and input your PIN, the machine will indicate that it is either out of order or out of funds. You carry on to the next bank machine not realizing that you just provided the criminal with everything needed to raid your bank account. They have even gone as far as to put an "out-of-order" sign on the real ATM and place the dummy machine conveniently beside it. Facades, secret scanning devices, peep holes and hidden cameras all are used to allow crooks to collect valuable customer information. In some cases, criminals pose as repairmen or investigators and convince customers to part with their cards. These methods may seem innocent but they are effective and dangerous and require extreme vigilance. Guard your account information and PIN like you guard your cash.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of ATM Fraud we want to know. Contact us and take ACTION NOW!
ATM Fraud
Be wary of ATMs not affiliated with a financial institution.
Always cover the key pad when punching in your PIN. This protects against "shoulder surfing."
Keep your receipts and dispose of them safely, away from the ATM. Check them against your monthly bank statements or passbooks.
Beware of hand-held debit card swipers that are fixed to a surface: they might be monitored by hidden cameras. Make sure you protect your PIN.
Beware of ATMs that have false fronts or don't feel right when you insert your card. Don't use them - find another machine.
If your card becomes stuck in an ATM, contact the bank immediately, if possible stay at the machine when you call.
Beware of thieves who pose as customers and will swoop in to retrieve your "stuck" card after you leave.
Be aware of those around you, both in a line-up and at the machine.
Don't write down your PIN or share it. If you must write it down, keep it separate from your card.
Be sure to remove your card and your cash from the ATM.
If you need assistance, do not ask the person behind you. Go into the bank and speak with an employee.
Scenario: You are at the ATM trying to withdraw money. The readout indicates that you have exceeded your limit for the day. Funny, you haven't taken any money out today.
