The number of cases of ATM cards has been increasing, affecting thousands of users in Portugal. This criminal phenomenon, although known for several years, continues to represent a serious threat to citizens’ financial security.
According to the Judicial Police, the cloning of ATM cards allows organized groups to perform unauthorized movements in the bank accounts of the counterfeit card holders. This type of crime causes high and persistent financial losses.
How does the cloning of ATM Cards work?
According to the same source, to copy card data, criminals resort to devices called “skimmers”, which are placed at the TMJ terminals to read the magnetic band of the cards. In addition, they use concealed microcama to capture the PIN code when it is introduced by users.
The Judicial Police clarifies that this technique can be applied not only to automatic boxes, but also in commercial establishments, through the manipulation of payment machines, known as TPA.
Operation “Ctrl €” dismantles criminal network
The PJ carried out the operation “CTRL €” in the regions of Greater Lisbon, Greater Porto, Minho and Algarve. According to the Judicial Police statement, the action led to the arrest of ten people suspected of criminal association related to the counterfeit and fraudulent use of multibanco cards, as well as laundering of capital.
According to the same source, the damage caused by this group rises to about 450 thousand euros, highlighting the size of this crime.
Tips for protecting yourself from cloning
The Judicial Police advises that ATM box users inspect the terminals before any operation. If they detect evidence of manipulation, such as loose parts or foreign components, they should interrupt use and inform the bank or police.
According to PJ, it is essential to cover the keyboard by typing the PIN code to prevent hidden cameras from registering the numerical sequence.
In case of failure in the operation, the immediate cancellation and the situation communicated to the bank should be made.
In the context of purchases in commercial establishments, the warning of the importance of not losing the multi -sight card during the transaction, thus preventing cloning through the TPA machines.
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Special care for the most elderly users
These precautions are particularly important for older users, who tend to take longer in operations at the ATM terminals. Slowness in the process can increase exposure to any fraudulent devices, because those who manipulate the trap have more time to capture sensitive data.
In addition, the reduced visual capacity, common in more advanced age groups, makes it difficult to detect change or foreign elements in the terminals. Small devices, such as skimmers or microcâmaras, can go unnoticed, making these users a preferred target.
Another risk factor is the lowest familiarity of some elderly people with recent technologies, which may lead to less awareness of the risks associated with the use of the card at physical terminals. Therefore, reinforcing information and support for this group is critical to their protection.
Lastly, family members and caregivers should be aware and, whenever possible, accompany the older users during the ATM operations to ensure that they are safe and avoid situations of vulnerability.
Importance of attention and collaboration
Maintaining attention to the state of the multibanco terminals is one of the most effective ways to prevent card cloning. PJ advises users to carefully examine the terminal before using, looking for loose parts or any sign of handling.
Protecting PIN code is another key measure. Flating the keyboard with your hand when typing prevents hidden cameras or close people from capturing this information, which is essential for transactions.
Reporting any anomaly to the bank or police helps to identify and disable traps installed by criminals. Users’ collaboration is therefore vital to combat this type of crime.
The Judicial Police stresses that the union between citizens, banking institutions and security forces makes the success of fraudulent operations much more difficult. The active participation of all contributes to a safer environment for all users.
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