Two increasingly common ATM schemes are worrying authorities in Spain. These are techniques capable of cloning cards or even retaining the money withdrawn without the user noticing. They have already been identified in several cities and can easily go unnoticed by those who are not paying attention.
The first method, according to the Spanish Police, is called skimming. It consists of placing a small device in the slot where the card is inserted, capable of copying the information contained on the magnetic strip. With this data, criminals can create copies of the card and carry out fraudulent transactions.
The second scheme was called “ruler” by the Spanish newspaper AS, due to the object used: a metal or magnet ruler placed in the money outlet. This trick prevents notes from being dispensed, making the user think that the operation has not been completed. Later, the perpetrators remove the device and keep the money.
Pay extra attention when using ATM
The authorities’ recommendation is simple: before inserting the card, inspect the machine and look for signs of alteration or foreign objects in the slot and in the bill dispenser. If you have difficulty withdrawing money, immediately contact the bank responsible for the equipment and remain close to the location until the situation is resolved. The Spanish Police emphasize that moving away could allow criminals to return to collect the blocked money.
Additionally, it is important to check the surrounding environment, making sure there are no people too close, and protect the keyboard with your hand when entering the PIN. According to , it is also advisable to regularly check bank transactions to detect unauthorized transactions and act quickly.
In case of suspicion or if you are a victim of these schemes, authorities recommend immediately reporting the situation to the police. In Spain, you can do this at a police station or by calling 091. In Portugal, contact must be made with the Public Security Police or the National Republican Guard, as well as your 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 vigilance and adopting preventive habits whenever an ATM is used.
Situation in Portugal: how are similar schemes and what the law says
In Portugal, the cloning of Multibanco cards continues to be one of the most recurrent frauds, according to data from the Republican National Guard, which points to more than a thousand occurrences annually in recent years.
These are discreet operations, often mistaken for simple technical failures, but which aim to copy data from the card’s magnetic strip or chip.
The PSP has also detained individuals involved in installing skimming devices in ATMs, seizing material such as skimmers, counterfeit cards, hidden cameras and equipment to duplicate cards and extract PIN codes.
Authorities warn of signs that may indicate tampering with the terminal, such as damaged slots, keyboards with loose parts or different tones and apparently dislocated components. In case of suspicion, the recommendation is to immediately cancel the card and file a complaint with the authorities.
Additionally, security forces advise protecting the keyboard while entering the PIN, in order to prevent hidden micro-cameras from capturing movements.
It is also important to regularly check bank transactions and immediately report any unrecognized transactions to the bank and the police.
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