Cyber Crime Awareness program @ Sinhagad RMD. Pune

“I have my ATM card in my wallet but 40,000 Rs . have been withdrawn from my account through ATM…!!!”

             ATM/Credit Card scams/frauds are on a rise in the world of Cyber Crime now a days. Several complaints have been registered with police which states that the victim’s ATM card was not stolen or misplaced but still a certain amount was withdrawn from his/her bank account.

             In most of such cases, the victim’s ATM card is cloned and is used to withdraw funds from ATMs. There is a device known as “Skimmer” which is mostly used in such cases of ATM clones. Using skimmer the fraudster can copy all the personal data from the magnetic strip on the ATM card. 

             The fraudster installs the skimmer on top of the card slot on the ATM where his victims would be inserting their ATM cards to withdraw money. By using such ATMs the victim would be unknowingly passing their ATM card through the skimmer first and then into the ATM. With the skimmer attached to the ATM, the criminal also installs a pinhole camera or fake keypad overlapping the original keypad to get the ATM card’s PIN.

 The Pinhole camera could be hidden anywhere

The camera can capture the PIN number you enter

Some Of The Studied Facts About Use Of Skimmers..

* Skimmers are normally attached to ATMs during quiet periods like early morning or late evening.

* Successful skimming requires a card skimmer (card reader) & camera or a fake keypad (PIN  
   capturing device) to be fitted to the ATM in order to steal card data,

* Criminals may loiter nearby to observe customers & remove equipment after machine use,

* Downloaded information can be transmitted wireless to other devices.

Checkout the video to see how skimmers are installed over ATMs

Be Smart Before You Use an ATM

• Be Alert And Look Around Before You Approach

Scan the surrounding area of the ATM before nearing the machine. Watch out for suspicious looking people or things. Someone or something might be watching you closely!

• You Can’t Rely On The ATMs That You Frequently Use Or Are Familiar With.

Even if you have an ATM that is near your residence or your work place, and you have been using that ATM for a couple of years now, you cannot predict that the fraudster wont plant a skimmer in that ATM. 

• Thoroughly Check the ATM Before Using It

Skimmers can be easily placed and removed over the card slot of ATM. Just check whether the place where you are going to insert your card is removable? In case a skimmer is planted you don’t have to apply to much of power to remove it. If you find something fishy use a different ATM.

• How To Enter The PIN?

Use your other hand, purse, book or anything that will stop the view in case of hidden cameras while you are typing your PIN.

• Report and Help the Law Enforcement

Report any unusual appearance immediately to Police or the nearest bank branch

• Keep your credit card and ATM cards safe. Do not share your personal identity number (PIN) with anyone. Do not keep any written copy of your PIN with the card.
• Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it to your credit union or bank.
• Choose passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess.

 

If you are a victim of ATM fraud, 

you might be equally responsible!

pictures courtesy: http://www.antiskimmingeye.com