Spanish police alerted to two increasingly frequent schemes in ATMs, capable of cloning cards and even retaining money without the customer noticing. The techniques, known in the criminal environment, have already been detected in several cities and can go unnoticed to those who are not aware.
The first method, according to Spanish police, is called skimming. It consists of placing a small device in the grooves where the card is inserted, capable of copying the information contained in the magnetic band. With this data, criminals can create copies of the card and perform fraudulent transactions.
The second scheme was called “ruler” by the Spanish newspaper As, due to the object used: a metal or magnetized ruler placed on the outflow of money. This trick prevents the notes from being dismissed, leading the user to think that the operation has not been completed. Later, the authors remove the device and have the money withheld.
Redoced attention when using the ATM
The recommendation of the authorities is simple: before introducing the card, inspect the machine and look for signs of change or foreign objects in the groove and notes. If you have difficulty raising money, immediately contact the bank responsible for the equipment and remain with the site until you resolve the situation. Spanish police stress that away may allow criminals to return to collect the blocked money.
In addition, it is important to check the surrounding environment, making sure there are no people too close, and protect the keyboard by hand when entering the pin. According to AS, it is also advisable to regularly consult bank movements to detect unauthorized transactions and act quickly.
In case of suspicion or if they are the victim of these schemes, the authorities recommend communicating the situation to the police immediately. In Spain, it can do so in a squadron or by 091. In Portugal, contact must be made with the Public Security Police or the Republican National Guard, as well as to its bank.
This type of fraud is not exclusive to Spanish territory. Similar cases have been reported in several countries, including Portugal, where security forces also warn of the need for surveillance and to adopt prevention habits whenever a multibanco cashier is used.
Situation in Portugal: How are the similar schemes and what the law says
In Portugal, the cloning of Multibanco cards remains one of the most recurring fraud, according to data from the Republican National Guard, which points to over a thousand annual occurrences in recent years. These are discreet operations, often confused with simple technical failures, but aimed at copying data from the magnetic band or card chip.
PSP has also detained individuals involved in the installation of sky -skiming devices, seizing material such as skimmers, counterfeit cards, hidden cameras and equipment to double cards and extract PIN codes.
Authorities warn of signs that may indicate terminal tampering, such as damaged grooves, loose pieces or different shades and seemingly displaced components. In case of suspicion, the recommendation is to immediately cancel the card and file a complaint with the authorities.
Additionally, security forces advise to protect the keyboard while typing the PIN in order to prevent hidden microcams from capturing the movements. It is equally important to regularly verify bank movements and immediately report any non -recognized transaction to the bank and the police.
Also read:
