People are three times more at risk from criminals attempting to steal their cards and data at ATM machines than they were a year ago.
According the Financial Fraud Action UK, there were 7,525 reported incidents at ATM machines in the first four months of the year, compared to 2,553 in the same period in 2012.
Typically, thieves at cashpoints observe card holders entering their PIN numbers before distracting them and snatching the card as it re-emerges.
Police believe this rise in upfront theft is caused by the improved security with debit and credit cards, which offers some protection from more sophisticated fraud.
Not that this has stopped fraudsters from trying. Numerous devices have been found attached to cash machines in an attempt to retrieve details.
Some are designed to trap cards so that users cannot retrieve them, while others are designed to skim cards as pinhole cameras record cardholders entering their PIN numbers.
Within the last six weeks, police in Belfast and Edinburgh have reported finding skimming devices on cash machines.
Even where skimmed cards cannot be used at cashpoints, they can be used online and sold on to criminal networks.
However, extra layers of security, such as Verified by Visa, are assisting the crackdown, which is drawing more criminals back to a snatch-and-grab approach.
To DCI Dave Carter, head of the dedicated cheque and plastic crime unit, the cost of the more sophisticated technology needed to orchestrated more hi-tech crime was driving gangs back to petty crime.
"This equipment is difficult to get hold of,” he said. “It tends to be quite hi-tech and therefore it's expensive.”
"This is a complete return to a simple distraction or con tactic if you like, so it's a lot cheaper and it can be effective."
The number of ATM incidents between January and April has risen by three times on 2012. (Image: Financial Fraud Action.)
Financial Fraud Action’s Guide to Cash Machine Safety
Choose Your Cash Machine Carefully.
- Be alert to your own safety, and if there is anything unusual about the machine, report it.
Using the Machine.
- If you are being watched, cancel your transaction and go to another machine.
- Don’t allow yourself to be distracted, especially if ‘well-meaning’ strangers try to interact with you at a cashpoint.
- Shield your PIN by standing close to the machine and using a hand to shield the keypad.
Leaving a Cash Machine
- Ensure your card and cash are secured before leaving the cash machine.
- Keep your bank’s number at hand, so you can report immediately if your card or money are not returned properly.
- Do not leave cash machine receipts, including mini-statements or balance enquiries where others can access them.
Download the promotional PDF here.
Keith McDonald
Which4U Editor
If you enjoyed this article:
- Check out the latest articles on our Finance Blog.
- Sign up for our free e-newsletter.
- Follow us on Twitter for regular updates.
{loadmodule php,TwitterButton}