What is ATM Card Skimming and PIN Capturing

ATM Card Skimming is a method used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic stripe on the back of an ATM card.
The devices used are smaller than a deck of cards and are often fastened in close proximity to or over the top of an ATM’s factory-installed card reader.
Pin Capturing refers to a method of strategically attaching cameras and various other imaging devices to ATMs; in order to fraudulently capture the ATM user’s PIN.

Facts on ATM skimming attacks

Criminals tend to attach skimming devices either late at night or early in the morning, and during periods of low traffic.
Skimming devices are usually attached for a few hours only.
Criminals install equipment on at least 2 regions of an ATM to steal both the ATM card number and the PIN.
Criminals then sit nearby receiving the information transmitted wirelessly via the devices (installed on the ATM).

What can you do to mitigate the risk of a skimming attack?

Get to know the appearance of your ATM.
Inspect the front of the ATM for unusual or non standard appearance. Scratches, marks, adhesive or tape residues could be indicators of tampering.
Familiarise yourself with the look and feel of your ATM fascia. Particularly pay attention to all of the touch and action points. (e.g. keypad, customer card entry slot, lighting diffusers)

Inspect all areas of the fascia. Look at card reader entry slot & regions immediately above the consumer display and keyboard area for anything unusual.
Report any unusual appearance immediately through to the shop or financial organisation. Phone the police using 999 and keep watch over any suspect device until the Police arrive.

By being vigilant you can play a part in reducing the risk

SECURITY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

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