Top 5 ATM Scams

With the new year around the corner, we decided to get into the spirit of things and come up with our Top 5 List. Here goes our Top 5 ATM Scams List.
 

ATMs have become so commonplace that people automatically let a sense of security and familiarity overpower any cautionary voice that the back of their heads might spew.
 
1. ATM skimmer devices attached to the crevices where we put our cards in – they come in many forms and are incredibly elaborate and usually miniaturised. These could be attached to the ATM machines themselves (usually) or a fradulent device may be attached outside the enclosure supposedly to grant you entrance. It is very difficult to detect these skimmers.
Cleverly placed cameras then note down your PIN. Your card information and PIN are both available to the fraudster who can then clone your card and withdraw money from your bank account.
 
2. A mini ATM panel is attached to the existing ATM machine. This panel will have the skimmer built in and can capture your PINS too. Again, very difficult to detect by the customer.
 
3. A completely fake ATM machine. No, not a panel but the whole machine is a fake. Its just designed to look like an ATM. These may be kept inside shopping malls or other public places.
 
4. Fake Cash bin. Not all ATMs have the facility to accept cash. As a result, a fake cash recepticle may be placed on an ATM – one that is designed to look similar to the ATM machine itself. This would be synonymous to installing a fake hundi in a temple.
 
5. Steal the ATM itself. This is a crude method that involves bulldozing the ATM enclosure and making off with the whole ATM machine. The crooks can rip apart the ATM leisurely and at their own pace.