ATM Scam
An incident happened lately where people suddenly lost all the money in their BDO payroll account. Turns out someone was able to hack into the ATM machine as to read the data of those who put in their cards, got their pin numbers and withdrew it elsewhere.
By God’s Grace my money wasn’t taken. But for safety reasons I want to share this to you so you too may be wary on what to look out for when withdrawing at an ATM.
*Photos were taken at a scam that happened at Oman. Two Bulgarians did the same thing in the Philippines in 2006 and was caught.*
Scammer’s Devise: A fake keyboard and a magnetic device installed in the card reader
ORIGINAL KEYBOARD
FALSE KEYBOARD:
ORIGINAL CARD SLOT:
CARD READER: (Black thing inserted into the card slot)
SAFETY TIPS ON USING THE ATM MACHINE:
- Always use the same ATM as much as possible
- You are more likely to spot tampering if you are using a familiar machine
- Be vigilant when transacting at an ATM
- Most ATM keyboards are set flush within the body and NOT PROTRUDING
- Card slots are also set mostly into the machine and does not protrude.
- Use card slots with BLINKING lights. The card reader usually blocks the light.
- Look out for miniature cameras installed on the top of the machine.
- Cover the keyboard with your hand when entering your pin
- Unless unavoidable, never transact at night
- Do not transact with suspicious looking persons loitering nearby
- Never allow anyone to assist you in transacting
- Familiarize yourself with ATM’s operations on receiving your card, if possible seek a branch staff’s assistance.
