The Judiciary Police (PJ) warned of a fraud scheme involving cloning of bank cards in ATMs and automatic payment terminals (TPA) that has already claimed victims in Portugal. The method, known as “skimming”, allows users to copy card data and PIN code through hidden devices installed on the equipment.
According to Pplware, a website specializing in technology, the investigation was conducted by the National Unit to Combat Cybercrime and Technological Crime (UNC3T) and culminated in the arrest of four suspects, three men and one woman, aged between 24 and 46.
The arrests took place in the regions of Lisbon, Montijo and Torres Vedras, as part of the “Carta Branca” operation, which aimed to dismantle the group responsible for the scheme.
Sophisticated cloning scheme
The suspects used fake devices placed in ATM slots to capture information from the cards’ magnetic stripes. At the same time, a hidden microcamera recorded the moment customers entered their PIN.
With this data, fraudsters were able to create perfect copies of the original cards and make withdrawals or payments at terminals under their control.
According to the same source, the group will have operated between 2023 and 2024, obtaining profits in excess of half a million euros. The cloned cards were mostly foreign, being used in national companies controlled by the suspects, which allowed large amounts to be moved discreetly.
Several crimes under investigation
The PJ said that the detainees are accused of counterfeiting payment cards, computer forgery, document forgery and money laundering.
During the investigations, the authorities carried out eight home and non-home search warrants, seizing electronic and computer equipment used in fraud.
How to avoid being a victim of “skimming”
“Skimming” is a silent but effective fraud method that continues to be one of the main threats to payment terminal users.
PJ and cybersecurity experts recommend carefully checking machines before inserting the card, looking for signs of manipulation, such as loose parts, different colors or small cracks in the card slot.
It is equally important to cover the keyboard with your hand when entering the PIN and, whenever possible, favor contactless payment, as it reduces the risk of data being read. According to , many of the recent cases involved terminals located in poorly monitored areas, which reinforces the need for increased attention.
The Judicial Police also calls for any suspicion of manipulation to be reported immediately to the authorities or the banking entity, preventing other customers from being harmed.
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