ATM theft is evolving at an alarming rate, as we showed yesterday in our post, Be Warned of This ATM Theft Technique. In this regard, we have taken up the responsibility of informing you of more ATM theft techniques to look out for. Most of these techniques might not be used in Kenya but we found it necessary to enlighten you on them.

ATM Card Skimming

This is a method used by criminals to capture data from the magnetic strip on the back of an ATM card. Well, you must be thinking that keeping your ATM card safe and out of others' reach could protect it from such devices, but these sophisticated criminals can capture data from your ATM card as you are conducting your transactions on the ATM machine.

ATM card skimming devices are smaller than a deck of cards and are often fastened in close proximity to, or over the top of the ATM’s factory-installed card reader, making it easy to capture your ATM card information .

Areas to be on a look out for such devices:

1. Light diffuser area

2. Speaker area

3. ATM side fascia

4. Card reader entry slot

5. ATM keyboard area

 Let's zoom closer:

 Below is a ATM card skimming device being mounted on an ATM machine:

Below is a even smaller skimming device that looks like a normal card entry slot and is attached to the ATM rain cover. Don't underestimate it, this device can capture your ATM card information:

The skimming device below has been installed in an ATM card reader:

Skimming devices capture information stored in the ATM card which is then transferred to a another ATM card. This alone isn't enough to make a withdrawal, the criminals still need your PIN and here's how they get it:

A brochure holder placed on the side of the ATM fascia wall could have a pin hole camera placed in it which could capture your PIN.

Taking a closer look at the brochure holder will reveal a pin-hole camera which is used to capture images of the keypad and customers inputting their PIN.

There are other more sophisticated ways of getting your PIN other than using a camera. A skimmer plate placed over the top of the existing keyboard can be used capture your PIN.

These devices are normally attached to ATMs late in the evenings or early mornings and the duration at which they stay attached to ATMs can vary, but normally no longer than 24 hours.

Criminals carrying out such schemes may loiter nearby to observe customers and they normally remove the equipment after the machine has been used and then download information which is transmitted wirelessly to another device.

How can you reduce such risks? 

• For starters, familiarise yourself with the look and feel of the ATM fascia on machines
• Always inspect the ATM and all areas of its fascia for unusual or non-standard appearance before using the ATM
• When you spot any suspicious objects or gadgets on the ATM machine, immediately report to the police or your bank.
• And lastly, always use your hand to shield your PIN when entering it.

Despite the fact that these skims are yet to take root in Kenya, or they are there, and we are not aware, it is good to be aware of them and exercise caution when using an ATM both locally and internationally.

Lastly, be vigilant and lets educate each other. .

Please share, like and post in your social media page to inform others of such schemes.