A wave of ATM skimming has hit Bangkok, and the security issues are prompting some serious insecurity about using cash machines.
More than USD1 billion is stolen by ATM hackers each year, a crime known as “skimming.” Typically this is achieved by hiding a scanner inside the ATM which records your card information and PIN number as you enter it. That information is sent to the hackers, who then use it to siphon money from your account. Sometimes it is a simple cover placed over the card slot, as shown in this video:
Here are five suggestions to avoid becoming a victim of these jerkholes:
1. Use ATMs in public places
Most of the recent instances of ATM skimming have occurred inside office buildings, where they might be accessible to thieves for modification at night, during off hours or slow times of the day. If an ATM appears to be in a lonely location or just looks a little suspicous, look for another in a high-traffic area.
2. Check for hidden cameras or card-slot covers
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Photo: Diebold
Skimmers usually install a device over the card slot to steal information from your card, as in the picture above. Also, they frequently place a hidden camera somewhere near the machine to visually record your PIN.
3. Look for strange or additional attachments to the ATM
Look for any plastic at the top of the machine, especially of a different color. Anything, however innocent, that looks like it is part of the ATM could hold a small camera. Use one hand to cover the keys as you enter your PIN.
4. Study the instructions and diagrams
Some thieves will go so far as to recreate the entire front of an ATM so they can hide scanning equipment inside. Most of these are quite good, but we know spelling and grammar may not rank high in their skill sets. If the machine reads “Innsert cad hear,” you might consider another machine.
5. Tap the card slot
Again, the most common method of skimming is to place a false card slot over the real one. Go ahead and give it a jiggle. If it is loose, find another machine.
Adapted from HowStuffWorks.
Photo: Flickr user catatronic
Baht_Simpson@hotmail.com says
I gave a Krung Thai ATM slot a "jiggle" once because the top panel looked loose. The whole thing fell on the ground in front of me. Not a skimmer, just a badly maintained ATM.