Cash Machine Fraud

Besides skimming there are other forms of card fraud that occur at cash machines.

The first is a deceptive tactic, whereby the criminal tampers with the machine so that your card becomes stuck when inserted. They then trick you into entering your PIN in their presence, while they 'help' you to fix the machine. When your card is not returned, you leave to report the 'fault' to your card provider. At this point, the criminal returns to the machine, disables the device and removes your card; with the card and the PIN, fraudulent transactions are easy to make.

The second is a technique known as 'shoulder-surfing'. A criminal will watch you enter your PIN at the machine by looking over your shoulder, then steal your card by distracting you or pick-pocketing. This technique can be practised anywhere you enter your PIN, such as in a shop or supermarket. It is essential therefore that you protect yourself by following basic security guidelines, such as shielding the PIN pad so that nobody can see the numbers you enter.