Things You'll Need:
- Your bank's customer service number
- Awareness of your surroundings
- Copy of your credit report
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Step 1
Be prepared. The thieves will often use plastic sleeves known as the "Lebanese loop," a very common method. A plastic envelope is made to fit the hole in the ATM machine perfectly. When you insert your card, the machine knows it is there but cannot read it. Your card gets stuck. Once your card is stuck, phase 2 of the scam begins. You will be approached by someone who pretends to offer their assistance, telling you the same thing happened to them. They will propose a solution: to play with the keys a bit, then input your PIN number. While you are busy doing that, the thief will be busy looking over your shoulder, memorizing your PIN number. Once he gets it, he leaves. After you exit the premises with your card still stuck in the ATM slot, or if you have entered the bank to claim your card, the thief's accomplice approaches the ATM and removes the entire loop, including your bank card. With your card in his hands and your PIN number, he promptly goes to another ATM and withdraws your money.
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Step 2
Be careful of legitimate bank ATM's, even if they are within a security enclosure with locked doors. In this case, the scam begins at the door. The thieves place a bank card reader while pretending to open the door for you. With this, they are able to copy your information from your card's magnetic band.
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Step 3
Do not think you are home free if you are able to enter the ATM machine without the thief's interception. Rest assured they will use other methods to steal your personal information since they cannot get physically close to you. They will install a wireless camera on the upper part of the ATM and will disguise it to look like a leaflet holder. A skimmer is mounted to the front of the normal ATM card slot. This reads your card number and transmits your PIN number to the criminal' s computers while they are sitting in a car nearby. Once you leave the ATM, the thieves make a copy of your bank card with the information they have gathered. Oftentimes, they use hotel electric keys, which have magnetic bands similar to the ones on bank cards.
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Step 4
Beware of the double screen. After you insert your bank card and punch in your PIN, you immediately receive a message informing you the operation has been cancelled. You remove your card and leave, but what you don't know is you have actually entered your personal information on a fake screen. The thieves have installed a replica of the ATM screen, enabling them to steal your information. They usually do this in places where there is poor lighting. Armed with your personal information, they can make a copy of your card.
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Step 5
Avoid using the ATM in poorly lighted areas. If you are unable to see clearly, you won't be able to identify suspicious equipment.
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Step 6
Before inserting your card, check to see if there are strange cables or suspicious equipment on the ATM machine.
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Step 7
Call your bank immediately if your card gets stuck in the ATM slot. If possible, do not leave the premises. Inform the representative of the problem and cancel your card immediately to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
