Raising money on the ATM is a routine gesture, but it can hide higher risks than you think. The Spanish Guardia recently launched a awareness campaign to alert citizens about the dangers of certain practices and the techniques used by criminals to mislead users. According to data from Banco de Spain, cited by Europa Press agency, 75% of the notes circulating in the country are still obtained through automatic boxes, and 59% of the population considers cash as the main form of payment.
The Civil Guardian warning on social networks
With so many people using the crowds daily, not surprising that they are a point of attention to the authorities. According to the 20minutos newspaper, Guardia Civil shared through social networks a video with recommendations to reinforce security when raising money. The message starts from a simple idea: Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but each person should adopt personal protection measures.
The first recommendation is to avoid removing money at night or in isolated places. This is followed by the suggestion of not going alone and always covering the keyboard when the personal code is introduced. The video also recalls the importance of never accepting help from strangers, even if they are helpful.
Small signs that make a difference
There are, however, other gestures that may substantially reduce the risk. According to the same source, before using the ATM, it is essential to observe the card inlet, the keyboard and the top of the screen. The reason is simple: false devices may be installed, known as skimmers, that mimic the card reader and allow bank data to copy.
Another pointed risk is the installation of almost invisible microchamters that capture the movements of the fingers at the moment the PIN is introduced. If you notice loose pieces, poorly fitted or outstretched strangely, the recommendation is clear: not to use the ATM and look for another location.
The so -called “Lebanese trap”
Among the most common techniques includes the so-called “Lebanese trap”, a denomination used by the 20minutos newspaper to describe a fraud method that retains the card inside the machine. According to the same way, the criminals put a fake piece or a very thin adhesive film in the grooving, causing the card to be stuck. The scheme almost always includes the intervention of a fake “good Samaritan”, which offers to help and tries to get PIN. As soon as the victim is distracted, the burlão removes the device with the card arrested and runs away with it and the code.
Notifications that act as immediate alert
Another board of the authorities is to activate the bank’s automatic notifications. Explains the newspaper that, upon receiving SMS alerts or through application whenever there is a movement to the account, the user gains precious time to react and block the card if a suspicious transaction occurs.
The Guardia Civil campaign reinforces the importance of prevention and attention to detail. At a time when multibans remain the main source of cash, these simple advice can avoid significant financial losses and mainly protect the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly, often seen by criminals as easy targets.
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