3 Ways to Get Scammed at an ATM

30 Nov 2009 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:23

In this consumer‑safety segment, personal security expert Robert Siciliano warns viewers that any ATM—whether at a bank branch or a convenience store—can be compromised. He illustrates three distinct scam methods: (1) a used ATM purchased online that already contains thousands of stolen card numbers, (2) hidden skimming devices attached to the card slot that capture magnetic‑strip data, and (3) covert miniature cameras that record PIN entries, with the footage relayed to remote hackers. The segment includes a victim’s story (Karen DiMartino, who lost $2,500), demonstrates how the stolen data can be cloned onto blank cards, and offers practical protection tips such as inspecting ATMs for protruding devices, covering PIN entry, and checking for hidden cameras. It also highlights a new anti‑skimming technology that jams skimmers and alerts banks. Viewers are directed to extratv.com for more information.

Chapters

Coming up, before you hit the sales after Thanksgiving, you gotta see tonight's Life Changer about dangerous ATM scams. I love this time of year in New York. The city is hopping with holiday shoppers, but I gotta tell you about some scary new scams involving your ATM card. Jerry's got that in tonight's Life Changers.
Stop before you swipe.
Consumers should be suspicious of every ATM machine.
Personal security expert Robert Siciliano Robert Siciliano says your ATM may be rogue, giving crooks access to your life savings.
It doesn't matter if it's a standalone at a convenience store or at a bank branch, they're all vulnerable.
Karen DiMartino found out the hard way.
Basically, they just wiped out my checking account.
Crooks ripped off $2,500 from Karen. You see, every time you swipe, you're leaving behind a mountain of personal information.
The magnetic strip is everything a criminal needs to clone your card.
Scam number 1: our security expert purchased a used ATM online. No regulations, no problem. If he were a criminal, he'd just drop that ATM off and put it to work. Well, that's just what we did.
Hey, stop! You're about to get scammed.
It is pretty shocking. I had no idea that some of these are actually fake.
Scam number 2: Robert also discovered over 1,000 card numbers stored on that used machine.
These right here are potential victims.
Scam number 3: The elaborate scheme includes outfitting any ATM with a cleverly hidden mini camera that displays your personal ATM code.
This is being recorded by the remote camera by a criminal hacker up to a mile away.
The thieves also affix an almost undetectable skimming device on the slot where you swipe or insert your card. Now the information you swiped is downloaded onto a computer and then burned onto a blank ATM card. Protect yourself. Watch out for protruding devices attached to the card slot. Check under mirrors and envelope holders to make sure there are no hidden cameras, and use your hand to cover your code when punching it in. But there's some high-tech help out there too. This new device basically scam-proofs ATM machines.
Thanks to new technology, ATM skimming can be defeated. This device actually jams the skimmer and calls the bank alerting them that there's a problem.
But you gotta make sure your bank is putting it to use. All the information is at extratv.com.