ATM fraud has become rampant in the digital age. Hackers steal your PIN code and data by installing hidden cameras or rogue devices into the card machine while you withdraw money. By being vigilant and aware of threats like card trapping or keypad jamming, you can easily protect your hard-earned money from theft.

How to avoid this?

When you go to an ATM and insert your card, first look carefully at the card slot. If you pay attention, you'll notice that if there's a fake scanner, it'll be slightly raised. If you're careful, you can avoid this fraud.

2. Card shimming also leads to fraud

This method is similar to card skimming. A very thin device is simply inserted into the card reader. Once the card is inserted, the chip will copy all your data. Using this chip, money can be withdrawn from your bank account.

How to avoid this?

This chip is so thin that it's difficult to detect. To avoid this, you can adopt smart withdrawal habits, such as using a card-type withdrawal or a mobile phone wallet.

3. How do card trapping scams happen?

During this type of fraud, fraudsters are all around us. As soon as you insert your card into the machine, it gets stuck inside. Scammers tamper with the ATM machine's card slot beforehand so that if someone inserts a card into the machine, it gets stuck and the card details are also stored inside the device. As soon as the customer's card gets stuck, they come out to help. Then the scammers will come in and ask you to enter your PIN.

You will be told that if you enter your PIN and click the Cancel button, the card will be ejected. This will give you your PIN and card details, and you can then withdraw all the money from your bank account.

How to avoid this?

If your card ever gets stuck in an ATM machine, don't leave it unattended or seek help from strangers. The bank's helpline number is displayed on the ATM, and you can call it to get an immediate solution. However, keep in mind that fraudsters often use the wrong number to commit fraud.

4. Keypad Jamming Fraud

In this type of fraud, fraudsters use glue or other methods to seal the ATM keypad's Enter and Cancel buttons. When a customer attempts to withdraw money from an ATM, inserts their card, enters their PIN, and clicks the Enter button to complete the transaction, the buttons become jammed. Furthermore, the Cancel button is also jammed to prevent the transaction from being canceled.

Fraudsters can take advantage of this to withdraw money from your ATM. Many people assume the transaction has been canceled and leave the ATM. Then, the fraudsters click the Enter button to complete the transaction and withdraw the money.

How to avoid

When you go to withdraw money from an ATM, check that the Enter and Cancel buttons are on. If you notice the buttons aren't working properly, don't insert your card. Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, don't leave the ATM until the transaction is canceled or the next transaction information appears on the ATM display.

Also, avoid making these mistakes at the ATM

• Whenever you enter the PIN, keep your hand on it so that the person next to you or any camera installed anywhere does not know about it.

• If you face any problem at the ATM, do not ask for help from any unknown person.

• Before using any ATM, check carefully to see if there is any problem.

• If you find any different device installed in the machine, inform the bank immediately.

• After withdrawing money from the ATM, wait until the transaction is recorded on the screen, do not try to exit quickly.

PC: TV9