Bank card cloning remains one of the most common forms of fraud in Portugal. The Judicial Police (PJ) have been warning the Portuguese to the risks associated with the use of automatic boxes and automatic payment terminals (TPA), such as the ATM, noting that basic care can prevent data from being compromised in fraud.
According to News to the Minute, PJ explains on its website that cards can be cloned by installing devices known as skimmers.
These devices allow the reading of the magnetic band and are often accompanied by microchamals that record the introduction of the PIN code. Both are placed concealed at TMA terminals or commercial payment points.
What to observe at the multibanco terminals
The first recommendation is simple: Always examine the ATM box before using it. According to the same source, if you notice loose pieces, such as keyboards, screens or card grooves, you should avoid performing the operation and immediately contact the bank or police.
Another basic rule is to plug the keyboard by hand while introducing the PIN. This apparently trivial practice is one of the most effective ways to prevent a microchama from capturing the introduced digits.
In case of failure in the machine’s operation or anomalous behavior, it is best to cancel the transaction and report the situation immediately to the banking institution.
Hazarded dangers at payment terminals
Cloning does not only happen in automatic boxes. PJ also warns of risk in commercial establishments. According to News to Minuto, bars, restaurants and gas stations are places where cases of fraud have already been detected.
The recommendation is clear: Never miss the view. When paying payments, insist that the terminal be brought to you or that the operation always takes place in your field of view.
CONSEQUENCES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Fraudulent use of bank cards is provided for in Portuguese law as a crime of computer science and communications, which may lead to prison penalties. In addition, the responsibility for financial losses may vary according to the speed with which the card holder communicates the irregularity to the bank.
According to the PJ, the PJ reinforces that basic care, if consistently adopted, are often enough to prevent cloning. The message is simple: attention and surveillance remain the best weapons against this type of fraud.
Prevention as a golden rule
In a context where digital banking operations grow, card cloning remains as a real threat. PJ’s recommendation is unequivocal: Check the terminals, protect your pin and do not lose sight of the card. These small gestures can make a difference between a safe transaction and a fraud with serious consequences.
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