With the increase in the use of bank cards and digital payments, the crowds in the ATM remain a common practice among many Portuguese, especially among the elders, used to dealing with physical money. However, raising money may pose a risk if some safety rules are not followed.
According to the 20minutos newspaper, the Spanish authorities have warned of fraudulent automatic boxes, with special incidence on a method that was known as the “Lebanese trap”. This is a discreet but effective technique used to retain the victim’s card and access after the account if the PIN code has been observed or provided.
The scam that holds the card and releases money
According to the same source, this technique consists of introducing an adhesive film or a false piece into the groory where the card is inserted. The user, when trying to survey, sees the card withheld and sometimes appear error messages on the screen. It is then that a burlon approaches, helpful, and suggests help.
If you can get the access code, by observation or by manipulation, the burlon discreetly removes the device that blocking the card and uses it with the memorized PIN to lift the available balance.
Avoid Risks: Follow these recommendations
To avoid such situations, police and security experts leave some essential advice. The most important thing is not to accept help from strangers, very well-intended. In case of error or if the card gets stuck, move away and contact your bank or SIBS.
Practical Tips for Safety Money
According to the authorities, the authorities recommend some simple but effective practices:
- Avoid raising money from the crowd at night or in isolated places;
- Be accompanied whenever possible;
- Never accept help from strangers in automatic boxes;
- Protect the keyboard by hand when entering the pin;
- Keep the bank’s contact by hand for emergency situations.
What to do if the card gets stuck?
If you face a suspicious situation, it is essential to keep calm. Never provide data to third parties and try to collect the automatic box number as well as an error photograph displayed on the screen.
This information may be useful for the bank or authorities if the incident is needed.
ATM continues to be safe, with extra attention
Although the burla schemes are becoming more sophisticated, most problems can be avoided with vigilance and critical meaning.
Forms like Lebanese trap are not new, but they continue to make victims, especially when they lower their guard.
Extra attention to the most vulnerable
The elderly are often the preferred targets of these schemes. Therefore, it is important for family members and caregivers to warn of the dangers and reinforce the care to be.
Small gestures, such as accompanying someone to the ATM or explaining how the process works, can make all the difference.
Do not discover security in payments
SIBS has reiterated that electronic payment systems are safe, but no system is infallible when there is physical manipulation. Therefore, the best weapon remains prevention.
When it suspects, report
Whenever it suspects any irregularity, even if it has not suffered damage, communicate to the authorities or your bank. Prevention is the best way to avoid fraud. Despite the growing sophistication of the ATM burla schemes, attention to detail may be sufficient to protect your money.
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