how can we protect ourselves from being victims of crimes at ATMs. I have heard they can clone your card and stuff....
I normally cover the keypad when I type in my PIN....any other useful tips not to become the latest victim?
2007-03-20 00:34:47 · 8 answers · asked by giuspazzo 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
ATM Fraud has been with us since we first started using them. Although it is not considered one of the major frauds, it could have devastating effects on the victims thereof. A victim can loose an entire month’s salary or hard earned savings money. The most important fact to remember is that criminals can only access your bank account via an ATM if they are in possession of your ATM bankcard and your secret pin number. It is therefore up to you to protect yourself against ATM fraud.
The following tips are intended to assist you in avoiding becoming a victim of ATM fraud.
Do not reveal your PIN to anyone.
Do not keep your PIN and card together.
Make sure that you are not observed when keying in your PIN.
Key in your PIN only when prompted to do so by the screen.
Don't let anyone distract or assist you when you are using the ATM.
Make sure the card in your possession is in fact yours before and after a transaction.
Avoid poorly lit ATM’s.
If only one ATM is working in a specific area, the others could have been sabotaged to direct you to that one.
Do not count your money at the ATM.
Lower your daily and monthly withdrawal limits.
Cancel your card immediately if it is lost, stolen or retained by an ATM.
Immediately report your lost or stolen cards to your bank and police.
2007-03-20 00:53:45 · answer #1 · answered by *Claire* 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
check the card slot to make sure there is nothing in it/ Some crooks use what is called a 'lebanese loop' to trap cards. They then look at peoples pin numbers and when the people go away they remove the card. If you put your card in usually someone will walk up and say 'its not working to get your card back you have to put your pin in twice and press cancel' when your card doesnt come back you go into the bank. This person removes your card and walks off with it, then empties your account.
Only use ATM machines you know. It is possible for fraudsters to buy a complete atm machine from a retail supplier and set it up in a premises with it linked to a computer and no cash inside. Then when a card is put in the computer copies the details and the pin and the criminals then clone the card. for this reason I only use ATM machines at bank branches and supermarkets. I never use the ATM machines at petrol stations or in convenience stores!!
Never use the ATM if there are people hanging around near it that you arent happy with. Sometimes criminal gangs have someone hanging around next to an ATM who you wouldnt suspect such as an elderly woman or a beggar. When youre using the machine they watch and note your pin then signal to others that they have your pin. You then have your pocket picked and before you realise it your account has been plundered!
Hope this helps
2007-03-20 13:13:47 · answer #2 · answered by vdv_desantnik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I never use any ATM except those at banks/building societys or major supermarkets... the small machines are a rip-off anyway, as they charge a silly amount to get at your own money.
Check the entry slot - it should have a 45 degree countersink of about 4 - 5 millimetres. you'll see what i mean if you check next time you use an ATM.....it the slot sides 'look wrong', dont use it.
also (especially if your card is swallowed) check around the slot and see if you can get a fingernail under the edge of the slot. it should not lift up at all........If it does, use a bit of force and see how far you can lift it.... if it's a trap, the whole thing will pull out fairly easily, and you'll find your card will come out too, stuck in the trap.
stand close to the keypad and dont let anyone see your pin. watch out for people behind you with mobile phones... especially if they are held at an odd angle, they are probably using the video function to get your pin number.
If anyone accidentally bumps into you, just after you have used the machine, or you feel something on your back, beware
crooks sometimes 'mark' their victims with chalk on the back to make it easier for their pickpocket colleagues to identify them.
one scam is for someone to watch your pin number, then mark you.......later, someone pickpockets your wallet, and they have your cash, card, and pin number too
2007-03-20 07:53:06 · answer #3 · answered by SeabourneFerriesLtd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be aware of the ATM machine you use. I tend to use the same 2 at all times.. therefore I know exactly what they should look like... The same goes for Gas stations where you pay at the pump.... use caution, know the stations.. if at all possible.
Use only well lit ATM's... and those with visable camera's.. you want to make sure you protect yourself as much as possible... If it is a drive up ATM... keep all doors locked... only have the window down that you must to access the ATM...
And above ALL... be alert to your surroundings and that niggling little voice in your head.. if it is sending off warnings.. then don't use that machine.. anything looks out of place.. leave and use a different machine.
2007-03-20 07:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by gin_in_mi 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
ok, its not that common and its easy to prevent..
Pay attention to the ATM, if it looks like it has been tampered with dont use it and call the bank to warn them.. to clone your card they have to use something to retain your card, its gonna be hard to spot but before you put your card in try peeling off the area at the slot, if its raised and comes away its dodgy!
Unfortunately you are more likely to be assaulted when using an ATM, so be carefull of anyone around you, some bank have fitted small mirrors to assist in this..
Its all about being carefull.. Don't worry too much, it is still rare!!
2007-03-20 07:42:42 · answer #5 · answered by John W 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take all the advice above and if you are unlucky enough to be a victim, make sure your bank closes that account and open's you a new one and moves all your direct debits etc across. They are supposed to do this instantly, a friend of mine was a victim and even though I told her to close the account etc she didn't bother, apparently it was "too much hassle", one month later £2000 was taken out again.....sigh
2007-03-20 12:14:59 · answer #6 · answered by diceyjase 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be careful with your information, look around you
check that no-one is to close to you when you put
your pin in, keep all paperwork involving your
bank accounts private, if you have net accounts
safeguard your identity docs and passwords,
do not give your credit card to waiters without
being there, as they can clone your card, and people do it often, get a smart card, but that is
not even infallible now...........................................
2007-03-20 08:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by gorglin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
someone got the number of my Sister's card, tried to draw money out in a foreign country she knew nothing about it till she tried to use the card in the shop, she was told it would not work, she went to the bank, the fraud team there told her all about it then!!!!
2007-03-20 07:49:33 · answer #8 · answered by Weed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋