How To Spot An ATM Skimmer

There have been plenty of ATM skimmers ripping New Yorkers off, but would you be able to spot one? Boing Boing shows you what they call a "chillingly well-camouflaged" skimmer, with a design much less crude than previously seen ones. The devices capture card numbers while secretly filming you punching in your PIN number — Krebs Security notes that this one may have been purchased from an online criminal forum. They say: "Some of the skimmers sold on these forums are extremely sophisticated, incorporating features such the ability to send an SMS text message to the thieves’ mobile phone whenever a new card is swiped." Just check out this insane photo showing the cell phones hooked up inside the ATM. Keep your eyes peeled for pinhole cameras and ears alert for peculiar ringtones coming from the money machines!

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By Jen Carlson in News on January 16, 2010 2:42 PM

Comments [rss]

FutureMan83

Using a street ATM is breathtakingly stupid for a number of reasons, this is just one of them.

mellow_fellow

ALL YOUR CASH ARE BELONG TO US

robingee

Any independently owned freestanding ATM on the street is suspect. Best go to a real bank lobby where it may not be 100% safe but less risky.

NewarkStateOfMind

This happened to us last month at the Bank of America ATMs on Lafayette. The guys tried to take $1000 out of different ATMs later that weekend. Luckily, the skimmers used BoA machines with cameras, so they were conveniently caught on video. BoA texted us when the suspicious transactions occurred and then refunded our money.

JacqueMehoff

and yet the mayor goes after the vendors on Canal street.

I would say this is more of an organized crime/terrorist front than the knock off vendors. stop believing what their PR people and the media tell you.

justthinkin

If you choose to use one of these street-side ATM's (which this one seems to be, given the graffiti), you're putting more than your PIN number at risk. Why anyone would stand outside and take money from a machine where everyone can see what you're doing, is beyond me.

HOTCUP

do they always film you punching in your pin?

i usually cover up or partially obscure the keypad with my wallet while i'm typing my pin in, it's become kind of a habit. i also try not to withdraw cash in bodegas or other sketch ATMs.