Skimmers are now targeting ATMs in the city.
The pin number and account details are stolen using not only hidden cameras, but also an electronic device placed on the ATM key pad.
Debit and credit cards are duplicated, the pin numbers memorised or copied, and then used to log on to people’s accounts.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning.
Banks and State cyber crime police have asked the citizens to be alert. The cops have also identified a few cases of “ATM Skimming” in Hyderabad and Cyberabad.
Basically, placing an electronic device on an ATM that scoops information from a bankcard’s magnetic strip whenever a customer uses the machine, ATM skimming is a growing criminal activity that some experts believe, costs US banks hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The devices planted on ATMs are usually undetectable by users; the makers of this equipment have become adept at creating them, often from plastic or plaster, so that they blend right into the ATM’s façade.
The specific device used is often a realistic-looking card-reader placed over the factory-installed card reader. Customers insert their ATM card into the phoney reader, and their account info is swiped and stored on an attached laptop or cell phone; or sent wirelessly to the criminals waiting nearby.
In addition, skimming typically involves the use of a hidden camera installed on or near an ATM, to record customers’ entry of their PINs into the ATM’s keypad. There are also instances where instead of a hidden camera criminals attach a phoney keypad on top of the real keypad, which records every keystroke as customers punch in their PINs.
Skimming devices are installed for short periods, usually just a few hours, so they’re often attached to an ATM by nothing more than double-sided tape.
They are then removed by the criminals who download the stolen account information and encode it on to blank cards. The cards are used to make withdrawals from the victims’ accounts at other ATMs.
U. Ram Mohan, Addl SP, Cyber Crime, Criminal Investigative Division, says, “We have had a few cases of ATM skimming in Hyderabad and Cyberabad. People were asked to swipe their cards and later thieves made duplicate debit and credit cards and stole several lakhs. There are plenty of cases in Rayalaseema where people view the pin number over the shoulder of the victim and then log on to their account and steal money."
"People should cover the keypad with their other hand while entering the pin number. They should be aware that there is already a camera installed in the ATM machine and should type the pin number carefully, without anyone seeing it and check the place carefully so as to not fall into any trap.”
Duplicating the debit and credit cards is also done easily. Thieves just observe people entering their pin number from a distance and later, after they leave, they enter and take out the money from the ATM machine.
The banks in the city and the country have been creating awareness.
A spokesperson with ICICI says, “We have regular campaigns for customers to create awareness. We regularly keep in touch with them and ask them to follow safe banking procedures. We run TV and Print ad campaigns regarding ATM skimming and bank related safety.”
How to avoid being skimmed
*Inspect the ATM, or credit card reader before using it. Be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.
*When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
*If possible, use an ATM at an inside location (less access for criminals to install skimmers).
*Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas, they are a popular target of skimmers. If your card isn’t returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel”, immediately contact the bank that issued the card.
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