| If there is ONE thing that I truly detest it is unscrupulous | | | | turn up to "assist" you. |
| con-artists and thieves trying to defraud honest people | | | | That person could very well be your thief. He or she |
| just going about their daily business. | | | | may then use their body to block your view and then, |
| The latest fraudulent practises to hit Automatic Teller | | | | in a deft movement, palm your credit card into their |
| Machines (ATMs) are: | | | | pocket. |
| | | | 2 - MINI CAMERA AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT: |
| 1. - a small device inserted into the card slot that | | | | Mini camera devices are now being concealed and |
| physically traps your credit card | | | | used to record numbers entered at the ATM. |
| 2. - the addition of a tiny camera alongside or above | | | | Be particularly suspicious if a plastic brochure holder is |
| the ATM to record your credit card number and | | | | placed near the keypad. Banks will not place anything |
| Personal Identification Number (PIN) | | | | near an ATM. Such an object will be fitted with a lens |
| Let's look at how these criminals are getting away | | | | and a small recording device all shielded and cunningly |
| with your card and/or your personal details: | | | | camouflaged by official bank pamphlets - stolen, of |
| 1 - CARD ENTRAPMENT: | | | | course, from the bank itself. |
| A thin piece of rigid film, usually in the form of a section | | | | Look for anything that is not a NORMAL part of the |
| of x-ray film, is cut and shaped then inserted into the | | | | machine. Be aware also of roof mounted devices. |
| area where you insert your card. It is shaped in such a | | | | These can be taped directly above the ATM with the |
| way that a small "sleeve" traps the card and prevents | | | | lens eye pointing downward. |
| it from being returned to you. | | | | A good way to beat this trick is to mask your |
| Obviously, the people who design these traps have | | | | keystrokes with your other hand. |
| some sort of working knowledge of the machines | | | | SUMMARY: |
| themselves. | | | | Keep your wits about you at all ATM's. Never use one |
| If your card is "swallowed" by the ATM it may be a | | | | outside banking hours. If you are alone you are also at |
| machine fault. However, it may also be the work of a | | | | the risk of being mugged AFTER you get your money. |
| fraudster who will invariably be lurking nearby, possibly | | | | Be alert. |
| waiting for you to leave. Be particularly wary if this | | | | Here is a big tip - be on the lookout for ANY person |
| happens outside banking hours. | | | | lurking nearby, especially if they are wearing a hat, |
| Check to see if you can locate a small slip of clear | | | | sunglasses and a collar turned up. Such a person is |
| plastic or x-ray film located around the lip of the | | | | making himself or herself difficult to recognize in the |
| machine. If so, removing that will also remove your | | | | event that they themselves are filmed by security |
| credit card. | | | | cameras. |
| If you cannot see anything, pretend to leave the area | | | | Credit card fraud is an increasing crime. Be wary of |
| and see who makes a "beeline" to the ATM. Note, this | | | | these warnings and you will seriously reduce your |
| may place you in danger if the con-artist is violent. | | | | chance of becoming a victim. |
| Be particularly suspicious if anybody just happens to | | | | |