ATM card scams: How To Protect Yourself From Scammers?

Nowadays, when financial transactions are increasingly conducted electronically, it is crucial to remain vigilant against various forms of scams and frauds. One common method employed by criminals to steal sensitive information, such as debit card PINs, is known as "shoulder surfing."

Scams involving ATM cards are widespread, notably in India. In these con games, thieves utilise a variety of methods to steal peoples' ATM cards and make unauthorised withdrawals from their bank accounts.

Your ATM card has a number sequence as well as a CVV number, which serve as specific identifiers for your bank account. In the wrong hands, this information might be exploited to steal money from your account.

If someone obtains your ATM card and PIN, they can use it to access your account and withdraw money or make online transactions. Your financial loss could be significant as a result.

Therefore, it's imperative to prevent both the theft of your card and PIN. One such con involves "shoulder surfing," in which con artists see or film a person's PIN entry at an ATM.

What is shoulder surfing?

Shoulder surfing is a term used to describe a method employed by criminals to steal sensitive information, particularly personal identification numbers (PINs). It involves observing someone's PIN as they enter it on a keypad, such as at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal. The term "shoulder surfing" stems from the fact that scammers position themselves close enough to the target to have a clear view of the PIN being entered, often by standing directly behind or to the side of the individual.

What are the other ATM card scams?

Card Skimming: When a person uses an ATM, a skimming device that has been attached to the machine collects the card information, including the card number and PIN. Then, the fraudsters use this data to generate fraudulent cards or conduct online transactions.

Card Trapping: Criminals manipulate an ATM's card slot in order to capture the user's card. The criminal can use the card to make a cash withdrawal if the user leaves the ATM without getting their card.

Cash Trapping: Criminals use a mechanism that holds the cash when it is dispensed within the cash dispenser slot to pull off this trick. When the user departs thinking the machine is empty, the thief later gets the cash that was accidentally locked inside.

Phishing: Scammers send false emails, texts, or phone calls while pretending as representatives of a reputable bank or financial organisation. They lure consumers into visiting phoney websites or giving out sensitive information over the phone in order to obtain their personal information, including ATM card numbers.

How to protect yourself from shoulder surfing?

• Never consent to assistance from a stranger at an ATM.
• Keep a keen eye out for any strange characters who might be attempting to view your screen, and stay aware of your surroundings.
• When entering your PIN on an ATM, cover the screen and keypad with your hand.
• Make sure to look around the ATM screen for any potentially suspicious cameras.
• Till your transaction is finished and you have completely logged out, stay at the ATM. If you leave early, the person in front of you might have access to your account.
• Keep a close eye on your account balance and bank statements, and notify your bank right once if there are any inconsistencies.