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Banking Safe at the ATM
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) have revolutionized day-to-day banking and there is barely a street corner in Thailand that does not sport at least one machine. Unfortunately, ATMs have also become the target for thieves and fraudsters who are using increasingly sophisticated methods to get their hands on your card and your Personal Identification Number (PIN). As a consumer, you should be taking steps to ensure you do not become a victim.
ATM fraud is on the rise and in 2006, the number of reported thefts increased by more than 500% over 2005. In a recent case, two men were arrested in after using a long-range camera to watch victims input their PIN, and then approaching them to ask to see their card. They told their victims that their own ATM card was not working and they wanted to see if the cards looked the same. They then used a hand held skimmer to copy information from the victim’s card and later create a duplicate. With a cloned card and stolen PIN, they were then able to access their victims’ accounts. Another method of ATM fraud occurs when thieves tamper with the ATM in such a way that is not visible, but causes a customer’s card to become stuck in the machine. The thief then approaches the victim to offer advice on how to retrieve the card which will involve the victim re-entering their PIN, this time in full view of the thief. When the card is not returned from the machine, the victim leaves and the thief is free to return, remove the card and access the victim’s accounts. Both of these cons take advantage of the fact that it is in our nature to want to help a person in need, or to trust others offering help when we have a problem. However, they also rely on the victim’s willingness to either hand over their card, or unwittingly reveal their PIN.
There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of your accounts when using an ATM:
1) Never hand your ATM card over to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM. I can think of no legitimate reason why a stranger would choose that time to approach you or why they would need to see your card.
2) Protect your PIN. Shield the key pad with your hand or body when you are entering your PIN and if the next person in the queue is standing too close to you, don’t be embarrassed about asking them to step back.
3) If the ATM is malfunctioning and withholds your card, call the bank immediately before you walk away from the machine. The safest option is to cancel your card on the spot.
4) Do not accept anyone’s assistance to help retrieve your card and again, never input your PIN where any
ATM fraud is on the rise and in 2006, the number of reported thefts increased by more than 500% over 2005. In a recent case, two men were arrested in after using a long-range camera to watch victims input their PIN, and then approaching them to ask to see their card. They told their victims that their own ATM card was not working and they wanted to see if the cards looked the same. They then used a hand held skimmer to copy information from the victim’s card and later create a duplicate. With a cloned card and stolen PIN, they were then able to access their victims’ accounts. Another method of ATM fraud occurs when thieves tamper with the ATM in such a way that is not visible, but causes a customer’s card to become stuck in the machine. The thief then approaches the victim to offer advice on how to retrieve the card which will involve the victim re-entering their PIN, this time in full view of the thief. When the card is not returned from the machine, the victim leaves and the thief is free to return, remove the card and access the victim’s accounts. Both of these cons take advantage of the fact that it is in our nature to want to help a person in need, or to trust others offering help when we have a problem. However, they also rely on the victim’s willingness to either hand over their card, or unwittingly reveal their PIN.
There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure the safety of your accounts when using an ATM:
1) Never hand your ATM card over to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM. I can think of no legitimate reason why a stranger would choose that time to approach you or why they would need to see your card.
2) Protect your PIN. Shield the key pad with your hand or body when you are entering your PIN and if the next person in the queue is standing too close to you, don’t be embarrassed about asking them to step back.
3) If the ATM is malfunctioning and withholds your card, call the bank immediately before you walk away from the machine. The safest option is to cancel your card on the spot.
4) Do not accept anyone’s assistance to help retrieve your card and again, never input your PIN where any
one can see it. If your card is stuck or retained, phone your bank to inform them and if necessary, cancel the card immediately
5) When you have completed your transaction, collect your transaction slip and dispose of it securely. Some of today’s more sophisticated fraudsters can use information obtained from the slip to access your identity and your accounts.
1) Always shield the key pad with your hand when you are entering your PIN number so that it cannot be read by secret cameras or strangers.
2) Get into the habit of using the same ATM machine for your transactions. Become familiar with it so you will be able to recognize changes to the machine.
3) If you must use a different ATM, check it carefully for devices which may have been fitted on top of the original features. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to use a newer machine, which will have additional safety features such as anti-skimming hardware.
4) Use ATMs in places with good lighting and in very secure or high traffic areas such as beside a 24 hour retail outlet or inside a bank.
5) Look out for 'extra' cameras in the ATM booth apart from the regular ATM security camera. Do not use an ATM if it has fittings above the machine such as a brochure holder as these may be used to conceal cameras.
6) Use your body to block the view of people behind you from looking over your shoulder.
7) If an ATM is malfunctioning and it holds your card, report this to the bank immediately and cancel your ATM on the spot.
8) If an ATM is not working, it may be a scam to direct you to a nearby ATM which has been tampered with. Use another machine well away from this location.
9) Never hand your ATM card to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM.
10) Be cautious about withdrawing large amounts of cash at ATMs if you are alone or in an area where there is no security.
11)Look out for so called bank employees and even security personnel that come to help you
5) When you have completed your transaction, collect your transaction slip and dispose of it securely. Some of today’s more sophisticated fraudsters can use information obtained from the slip to access your identity and your accounts.
1) Always shield the key pad with your hand when you are entering your PIN number so that it cannot be read by secret cameras or strangers.
2) Get into the habit of using the same ATM machine for your transactions. Become familiar with it so you will be able to recognize changes to the machine.
3) If you must use a different ATM, check it carefully for devices which may have been fitted on top of the original features. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to use a newer machine, which will have additional safety features such as anti-skimming hardware.
4) Use ATMs in places with good lighting and in very secure or high traffic areas such as beside a 24 hour retail outlet or inside a bank.
5) Look out for 'extra' cameras in the ATM booth apart from the regular ATM security camera. Do not use an ATM if it has fittings above the machine such as a brochure holder as these may be used to conceal cameras.
6) Use your body to block the view of people behind you from looking over your shoulder.
7) If an ATM is malfunctioning and it holds your card, report this to the bank immediately and cancel your ATM on the spot.
8) If an ATM is not working, it may be a scam to direct you to a nearby ATM which has been tampered with. Use another machine well away from this location.
9) Never hand your ATM card to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM.
10) Be cautious about withdrawing large amounts of cash at ATMs if you are alone or in an area where there is no security.
11)Look out for so called bank employees and even security personnel that come to help you
