How ATMs are robbed: tricks, viruses and physical strength

[Carding Forum]

In this review, the PaySpace Magazine team will talk about how ATMs are robbed and what tricks are most often used by criminals.

How ATMs are robbed.

There are many ways to rob an ATM. For some, you will need a freight transport and a hammer drill. And for others - sleight of hand and a piece of plastic. The former are more worried about the bank's security service. And the second - ordinary owners of payment cards who withdraw cash from an ATM. Also, hackers cannot be ignored. A few lines of code - and the ATM will not only give out the money itself, but also give the fraudster the details of the users' cards.

How ATMs are robbed: tricks targeting cardholders​

The ATM is no longer the # 1 target for payment scammers. Nevertheless, criminals quite often use this device to empty the payment cards of citizens. Let's consider the basic techniques that are applied to ATM.

• Skimming - installation of special overlays on the ATM that allow you to copy credit card data, as well as "spy" the PIN code from a hidden camera or a fake keyboard. Fraudsters use this data to make fake cards and cash out from victims' bank accounts.
• Cash trapping - installation of a special strip with adhesive tape on the cash slot, which blocks the issuance of money. The goal of the scammer is to make the customer think that the ATM has run out of money or an error has occurred. Then the victim will take the card and leave. And the criminal will be able to move the cover and take the funds
• Card trapping - installation of special equipment on the card slot to block the credit card inside the device. The goal of the fraudster is to force the cardholder to move away from the ATM, and then to pull out his credit card with a special tool.

How are ATMs robbed with viruses?​

• Spyware viruses allow a fraudster to remotely obtain technical information and PIN-codes of bank cards that enter the ATM
• Cash hunters infect the ATM with a virus, which gives them access to the banknote vault.

How is the ATM secured against physical hacking?​

Fraudsters who do not want to tinker with linings and other tools to steal payment card details are trying to steal the entire box. Or open it on the spot.

How is an ATM secured against such attacks:

• CCTV cameras record suspicious activity of fraudsters near the ATM. Modern technologies allow you to continue filming what is happening at the ATM, even if the device itself has already been disabled. Often there are two of them - one built into an ATM and one located not far from the facility.
• The ATM case protects the banknotes in the safe thanks to the thick walls made of heavy-duty metal, which are difficult to attack with a puncher.
• sensors that react to a blow or an attempt to open an ATM. And they send a signal to the control panel of the guards, who usually arrive at the site in a few minutes.
• wall mounts , thanks to which it will be possible to pull out the ATM only with the help of a cargo vehicle - the ATM itself weighs about 4 tons
• GPS beacons are embedded in the ATM to inform the bank's security team about the exact location of the device. The main condition for the beacon to work is the presence of a satellite signal. If the ATM is placed in the basement, the device will not give a signal.