Do you regularly use a cash machine? Then mistrust. The techniques of scammers to steal your bank data are becoming more sophisticated. Fortunately, a simple manual check can be enough to guard you against these scams. We tell you everything.
Withdrawing cash has become an almost mechanical gesture. However, behind the reassuring facade of a vending machine can hide fearsomely discreet devices. Skimming, fake keyboards, spy cameras… the criminals do not lack imagination to steal your bank details without you realizing it. The good news is that there are simple tricks to reduce risk.
ATM: this stupid gesture to make before swiping your card to thwart the traps of fraudsters
A quick slit test before inserting your card
Before you even take out your wallet, take the reflex to pull gently on the slot where you usually slide your card. Why this gesture? Because some fraudsters fix a tiny illegal reader, called skimmer, capable of recording all the data of your card without your knowledge. Skimming is a very widespread method of flight: by copying the information from the magnetic tape, the scammers can then clone your card. If, by pulling on the slot, you feel that it is moving, is incorrectly fixed or has suspicious roughness, do not insert your card. Tell your bank or law enforcement agencies immediately.
ATM: this stupid gesture to make before swiping your card to thwart the traps of fraudsters
Keyboard, another weak point to inspect
The crooks also bet on another trap: the fake keyboard, placed over the real one. It records every pressure of your fingers, including your secret code. How to unmask it? First, look at the thickness: a keyboard that seems more curved than normal is suspicious. Then, exert a small lateral pressure: if it moves or lifts slightly, it is probably a deception. When in doubt, it is better to change distributors.
Scams to distributors are gaining ground
Every year, fraudulent methods become more sophisticated. In addition to skimming and fake keyboards, other techniques worry specialists:
The trapping of the card: a device holds your card inside the machine. Once you have left the scene, the fraudsters retrieve it and use the already stolen data.
Invisible cameras: hidden in a billboard, above the screen or in a fake case, they film your confidential code.
Faced with this growing threat, a few simple reflexes can make a difference.
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