It’s common sense that using an ATM requires a certain degree of caution, but if you think getting mugged at the machine is all you have to look out for, you’re in for a shock. ATM scams are getting more creative by the day, and you need to know how they work and what you can do to protect yourself against these money scams.
Just because a machine looks normal at first glance, it doesn’t mean it hasn’t been used for scamming money. ATM skimmers, cash traps, and system hacks are all becoming commonplace in the dark world of fraud, and most of the time, they’re fully concealed inside the ATM.
While there’s little you can do once the scamming device is already installed, you can dodge it by sticking to ATMs from banks you trust, covering your PIN from possible hidden cameras, and setting up transaction alerts on your bank account so you can easily intercept any suspicious activity. If you do become a victim of fraud, it goes without saying that issuing a scammer alert to your bank and canceling your card is a must-do.
Check out the most insane ATM scamming examples below, and don’t worry about being a little paranoid next time you use one – it’s your money you’re dealing with, after all.
#1 Sometimes Wiggling The ATM Is Not Enough
Image source: Is_It_Beef
#2 Always Wiggle The Card Reader
Image source: atlas5280
#3 How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Headphone Socket Sunk In And Off Alignment
Image source: Wujubird
#4 Hidden Camera
#5 Went To An ATM I Frequently Use In Houston And Notice Something Different… What Is This Grey Box?
Image source: peltier
#6 How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Cracks Underneath The Receipt Slot
Image source: Wujubird
#7 False Keypad Overlay And Card Skimmer
Image source: Matt South
#8 How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Card Slot Sticking Out
Image source: Wujubird
#9 Pinhole Camera
Image source: Matt South
#10 I Always Check The ATM Before Withdrawing Money. Panel Under The Screen Came Off As Well. The Panel Contained A Camera. The Green Piece In The Picture Was Over The Card Slot And Scans You Credit Card
Image source: larskris
#11 Cash Trap Devices
Image source: Safe ATM
#12 How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Button Color Is Changed (This Particular ATM Had Black Button Before)
Image source: Wujubird
#13 ATM Skimmer Transmits Stolen Data Via Text Message
Image source: krebsonsecurity
#14 Card Reader And Camera Attached As A Panel On The Frame Of The Screen
Image source: larskris
#15 Lebanese Loop. Slits Are Cut Into Both Sides Of The Trap. This Prevents Your Card From Being Returned Prior To Completing Your Transaction
#16 ATM Skimmer
Image source: mikko
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