ATM SCAMS!

ATM (Automated Teller Machine) Scams

Scene of the crime: Usually in the vicinity of ATMs, where scammers try all sorts of things to make a quick buck at the cost of unsuspecting card owners. 

Plan of attack: ATM scammers have become more technology-savvy through the years. For instance, in 2007, they used magnetic rulers to trap money, surveillance cameras and external keypads to get PINs, and scheme machines to read ATM card information. In 2008, they used a detachable aluminum contraption and some sort of paste to trap money. In 2009, police discovered a new kind of scam, the ATM card switching. 24 Oras explained how the M.O. works: If you have just withdrawn money from an ATM, a scammer may approach you and tell you that you left a P500 bill behind. He or she will suggest that you check your ATM balance. As you do so, the scammer will sneakily memorize your PIN and drop a P500 bill on the ground. When you pick it up--as you are most probably inclined to do--the scammer will swipe your card and replace it with a fake one.

Defense mechanism: In the 24 Oras report, the public is advised to lock ATM booth doors when they are inside, bring someone along when withdrawing money, cover the keypad when typing the PIN, and move to another ATM when there are suspicious people around, among others.

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