ATM tampering continues to plague members and credit unions across the country, and we want our members to have the most recent information regarding ATM fraud. Our partners at CUNA Mutual recently shared the below information regarding ATM PINs being caught on cameras at drive-up ATMs. Fraudsters are cleverly focusing on the drive-up ATMs because people are less likely to cover the keypad when they enter their pins. Read below for more details.
Fraudsters typically focus on the path of least resistance to capture card information. Recent reports suggest their focus has turned to drive-up ATMs as fraudsters realize people are lazier or find it more difficult to conceal entering their pin at these machines.
There are many ways to install hidden cameras – usually concealed somewhere on the front of the ATM. Frequently, fraudsters skillfully conceal the insert skimmers into the card slot and pair it with a hidden camera covering the security camera which is angled towards the keypad or they may use one that is disguised as a pin pad privacy cover. They also use an all-in-one type of skimmer that covers the entire mouth of the card reader slot.
Stand-alone ATMs at stores and in parking lots are the most enticing targets for the thieves, as are drive-up ATMs where users find it more difficult to cover their PIN as you type it in. Fraudsters have found it is too difficult for users to conceal a pin with their other hand which allows the hidden cameras to capture the PIN.
Unfortunately, cameras aren’t the only tools at the ATM skimmer’s disposal – fake keypads can be used to record PIN inputs, too.
Nevertheless simply covering your PIN with your other hand or some object such as a wallet is the best way to combat having your PIN compromised. Members should cover the pin entry pad at both stand-alone and drive-up ATMs. If at anytime you feel your card or PIN has been compromised or you see suspicious activity on your account, please contact TNConnect immediately to report this information. (865) 688-2424. We want to protect our members from fraudulent financial activity!