Mind your surroundings

Scammers may target you at the ATM. Be aware of your surroundings.

Mind your sorroundings - desktop

Scammers use different ways to trick you at an ATM. They may distract you while you’re busy with a transaction to swap your card. They could also tamper with the ATM and insert a device that looks like the slot you put your card into, to steal your card information. They might even stand so close behind you to get eyes on your PIN.

Common ATM scams

1. Card swapping

Scammers often work in groups – one person distracts you while another swaps your card. You leave the ATM with someone else’s card and the scammers quickly use your card to withdraw money from your account before you realise what happened.

2. Card skimming

Scammers install a hidden device over the card slot that copies your card information. They might also use a small camera to record your PIN as you enter it. These devices blend in with the ATM and are often hard to spot.

3. Card trapping

Scammers put a thin layer of plastic into the card slot that traps your card inside the ATM. You can withdraw money without any issues, but your card stays inside the machine. When you leave, the scammers immediately withdraw money from your account.

Tips to slam the scams

  • Always be mindful of your surroundings when using an ATM, and never accept help from strangers
  • Make sure you cover the pin pad when entering your PIN, even if you’re alone
  • Never accept help from strangers; go into the bank if you need help
  • Don’t use ATMs where the card slot, keypad or screen have visibly been tampered with
  • Always make sure you leave with your card

If you think that someone may have interfered with your transaction at the ATM and that your card and PIN may have been compromised, stop your card immediately using one of our easy methods.