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ATM Scam Alert

Bruce T. Samboy Bureau Chief New York State Racing and Wagering Board

The following photographs clearly illustrate the resourcefulness, sophistication and technical expertise possesed by today’s high-tech scam artists. Special thanks to Police Chief Enrico L. D'Alessandro, NYS University Police, Morrisville State College, Morrisville, NY, for sharing these extraordinary photos.

The photographs illustrate two separate elements of a scam designed to both secretly access information from an ATM card, and covertly observe the user’s keypad entries.

The first element involves the installation of an additional ATM card reader, carefully designed to mount over the machine’s existing card-slot. When an ATM card is inserted into the card-slot, the user activates the machine as he or she would normally, removing the card at the conclusion of the transaction. However, unbeknownst to the customer, the second card reader memorizes all of the card’s information, thereby allowing the thieves to make a duplicate of the customer’s card.

The additional card reader is manufactured of material similar to the machine’s other components, making detection difficult. Please notice that, as seen in photos #1 and #2, the scamster’s card reader in this example partially obscures an instructional label affixed immediately adjacent to the legitimate card reader. Additionally, it appears that the scamster’s card reader is a slightly different color than the machine, although such a slight variance would likely go unnoticed, especially at night, when the area is illuminated with either incandescent or fluorescent lamps.

The second element of the scam borrows an advanced electronics ploy previously used in casino cheating: A small video camera and radio transmitter are secretly placed near the ATM, with the lens directed at the machine’s keypad and video screen. Images of an ATM customer entering access codes, etc. are transmitted to a remote receiver located as far as two hundred meters away, where the scamster either videotapes the information, or simply writes the information down for later use.

In our photographic examples below, the camera is cleverly hidden in what appears to be a pamphlet holder “conveniently” mounted for the customers on the wall adjacent to the ATM. The pamphlet holder, quickly affixed to the wall by the scamster or an accomplice with double-sided tape, would surely go unnoticed by all unfamiliar with this scam (see photos #3 - #6).

Reports indicate that scamsters’ cameras have been hidden elsewhere within ATM kiosks, and some brazen scamsters are alleged to have candidly installed cameras at ceiling level to mimic legitimate ATM security cameras. Keypad entries and information displayed on ATM video screens can be targeted with a medium telephoto lens, and the information radioed to a remote location.

Just being aware of the possibilities can help us to avoid being scammed. Considering the difficulty in locating hidden cameras and the possibility of scamster’s cameras mounted to look like ATM security cameras, positioning ourselves to cover our keypad entries and video screens, even when we are alone in a kiosk, seems like a sensible precaution. #1- ATM machine as usual ?

#2- Is there an additional slot ?

FALSE slot Fixed to the original card slot. (Same color and sticker ). Contains additional card reader to copy your card information ..and duplicate your card

#3- A monitor and pamphlet holder at the side...nothing wrong #4- wait ..... Is it really a pamphlet holder ....

The side of box , facing the ATM screen has a reflective glassy hole ....thats a CAMERA !

#5-False pamphlet box affixed to the ATM cubicle side

The micro camera at the side can view the KEYPAD and also the monitor to send wireless picture up to 200 meters. #6-Inside the “pamphlet box”

Camera positioned at correct angle to view keypad and monitor

Camera Battery;

Transmission Antenna

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