Beware the "ATM Not Working" Scam

Images of suspect(s?) via 1010WINS

The police are looking for four people involved in a scam they operate in bank ATM alcoves. The AP explains the scheme:

After the target puts his or her bank card into an ATM, a woman approaches and says that machine isn't working. While the victim uses a nearby machine, a second suspect watches and notes the victim's personal code.

That suspect gives the code to a third person, who then punches it into the machine the victim initially used and didn't cancel out of. Because the machine is still activated by the victim's card, the suspect is able to use the code to withdraw money.

And according to 1010 WINS, the suspects have struck at least 10 times "since October involving four different Bank of America ATM locations in the East Village, NoHo, Greenwich Village and Gramercy." Naturally, it goes without saying that you should be alert whenever using an ATM—and always cancel out of your transaction! (Here are some tips from Bankrate.)

If you have information about these crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or text "TIPS" to CRIMES (274637) and then enter TIP577. And this is not the only kind of ATM scam that's pulled—there are also skimmers.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on February 7, 2009 10:05 AM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

What better reason to introduce biometrics to the banking industry. Pin numbers are of no use for crooks confronted by retinal scanners.

petemac

They can't get you if you cover the hand that is punching in your PIN...

Tower18

WTF. I mean, I don't like to blame the victim, but I NEVER walk away from an ATM that isn't showing me the "home" or "thank you" screens. That's just foolish.

REALITY CHECK

With all due respect, I seriously do not understand how anyone could let this scam happen to them.

agnellina

This happened to me a few years back. They took $400. I was really lucky that Bank of America gave me back the money.

Billiamsburg

cool. thanks for the tip. Next time some broad approaches me near an atm I'm just gonna stick her.

neckbeard

every time i use an atm that doesn't work, i hit cancel like 17 times. maybe i'm paranoid, but i always always wait for the initial screen to be back up before i leave.