Raising money on the ATM is a gesture that most repeat without thinking, but according to experts there is a new scheme that can empty the bank account without the victim noting any warning signal. The warning comes from the United States, but European authorities already admit that the technique is going through borders and can reach Portugal.
The method is discreet, difficult to detect and involves imperceptible changes in the machine itself. Small devices, placed almost invisibly, allow you to copy essential card data and the PIN code. Once this information is obtained, criminals can raise money, shop online or even open bank accounts in the name of the victim.
Devices that ‘read ‘the card
According to a Fico report, a US data analysis company and risk management solutions, automatic box fraud cases increased by 96% by 2024 in the United States, with more than 315,000 committed cards. The phenomenon, explains the executive digest site, is known as skimming and is based on the placement of devices on card readers to copy the magnetic band.
In some cases, a hidden chamber is also used by the keyboard to record the PIN digits, or even a fake keyboard that directly captures the information.
Evolution for more sophisticated techniques
Although classic skimming has lost strength in recent years, new variants are gaining ground. One is shimming, which uses an ultra -thin blade inserted into the reader to capture data from the EMV chip. Another is overlayless, where concealed chambers and artificial intelligence analyze hand movements to identify the PIN.
According to SIBS, the automatic boxes of the Multibanco network have anti-skimming technology since 2011, which significantly reduces the risk. However, independent machines, such as those installed by private operators in little guarded places, remain vulnerable.
Measures and prevention
The already approved new rules in the Payment Services Regulation (PSR), which will come into force in 2026, forcing banks to share in real time information about fraud with the authorities.
Meanwhile, individual prevention remains the best defense. Experts recommend checking if there are loose pieces or strange elements in the card and keyboard grooves, always cover your hand when typing the PIN and privileging boxes inside seats or busy locations.
With extra attention, it is possible to prevent a simple survey from ends with the empty bank account.
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