Beware of ATM Scanning Devices

Thanks to friend Lani for sharing information on scanning/skimming devices placed over card-reader slots which captures information. People need to immediately know this, to warn them and be cautious whenever they use these Automated Teller Machines (ATM), or else sensitive data such as card numbers, identification numbers from a credit or debit card and the information in the magnetic strip, can be copied.

In an article written by Jennifer Waters of the MarketWatch, she told ATM users that, the next time they pull up to an ATM, they should take a closer look at the machine and observe or examine for the following:

• The ATM look a little clunkier than usual;
• Device which may be stuck onto the machine or nearby with Velcro or two-sided tape;
• Look around you whether there are mirrors and brochure holder over your shoulder;
• Does it look like there might be a false panel or an extra light bar attached to the machine;
• Keypads that are not concave could have overlays that flatten or pull the surface of the keys out;
• There might have a pinhole camera mounted over your shoulders say, in a plastic brochures or a false panel that records your fingers tapping in your PIN, or an overlay in the keypad.

According to a security, risk and fraud research analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research, "Many consumers may not be aware that an ATM has been tampered with because they're not educated about this."

Big cities, high-traffic places, popular malls and stand-alone machines anywhere are their primary targets.

Tips to keep in mind in withdrawing cash from ATMs

• Do not use ATM in dark places, choose a well lit area, publicly visible and not tucked away somewhere;
• Trust your instincts that if something does not look right, look for another ATM that would make you feel secure;
• When keying in your PIN, cover the keyboard with your other hand to block anyone or a camera from seeing;
• Don't use ATMs with unusual signage or instructions, such as a command to enter your PIN twice to complete a transaction;
• Do not use ATMs that appear to have been altered, if anything on the front of the machine looks crooked, loose or damaged, it could be a sign that a device or a camera is attached;
• Use only ATMs with which you are familiar with or stick to ATMs at a bank branch.

"Using a stand-alone ATM is like playing Russian roulette, especially in major metropolitan cities" said Robert Siciliano, a Mcfee consultant and founder of IDTheftSecurity.com.

"These new skimming devices are better and getting harder and harder to detect," Siciliano further said.