An almost imperceptible detail may be enough to prevent it from falling into a scam. According to the Leak website, some criminals are discreetly marking ATM machines to see if the tampered equipment continues in place. Small pen brands, almost invisible stickers or strategic scratches may report the presence of devices used to copy bank data and PIN codes.
According to the same source, this technique, which has been observed in different parts of the country, shows how the methods used by the burns are increasingly discreet and difficult to detect. The Judicial Police and SIBS have warned on several occasions to schemes involving the installation of skimmers (devices copying card data) combined with hidden cameras or fake keyboards that record the code introduced by the customer.
How this scheme works
Burlons install two main devices: the first is the skimmerembedded in the card slot, capable of collecting information from the magnetic band or chip; The second can be a microchammal or a fake keyboard designed to register the PIN.
The “sign” left on the machine serves as an indicator for the criminal to perceive at a distance if the equipment is still tampered with or if it has been removed by someone.
Signs to which it must be aware
Banco de Portugal advises to carefully observe the machine before using it. Among the most common evidence are:
- Glue or tape residues near the card entrance;
- Slightly raised or poorly applied stickers;
- Recent scratches in strategic zones;
- Misaligned plastic parts or different color from the remaining equipment.
Often, these signs are in less obvious areas, such as the side or bottom of the ATM.
What to do if it suspects
If you notice any anomaly, the recommendation is not to use the machine and look for another, preferably located within bank branches or shopping centers. SIBS recalls that each automatic box has a visible assistance number to report suspicious situations. PJ also advises to communicate to the authorities whenever there are strange behaviors of people with the equipment.
In addition, activating notifications on your bank for each transaction is an additional measure that may allow unauthorized movements to lock them.
Why this scheme worries experts
The biggest risk is not just in the immediate survey of money. Once in possession of card data, criminals can clone it and use it for international purchases or online transactions, often before the holder realizes.
According to the PJ, tampered machines have already been detected in central and large movement, contrary to the idea that only isolated places or old equipment are the target of these schemes.
Just ‘a second’ attention
A second of attention before introducing the card into the ATM can make a difference between keeping your money safe or falling into a scam. The alert of the site, reinforced by the guidelines of SIBS, PJ and Banco de Portugal, stresses that, regarding banking security, attention to detail is the best defense.
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