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cover the number pad when using an ATM

Posted by (CA, USA) on

just a reminder that to help defeat skimmers on ATMs, use your hand to cover the keypad while typing in your PIN.

The scanner can read your magnetic strip and may not be visible when using the ATM, but they still need your PIN in order to steal money from your account. They get this with a tiny camera somewhere on the ATM. If you cover the keypad then they can't get it.

A recent article about the new generation of thin skimmers (eg. less visible) is at https://krebsonsecurity.com/2022/09/say-hello-to-crazy-thin-deep-insert-atm-skimmers/

The takeaway is not to be alarmed when travelling, a simple step keeps you safe.

Posted by
8645 posts

I do this in LA, in the Valley and at every ATM in Europe John.

Posted by
4824 posts

I've been doing that for the last couple of decades, no matter where I am.

Posted by
5326 posts

Also if you can deactivate magnetic stripe transactions via your banking app.

Posted by
2288 posts

The good news is, more and more ATM machines now have a Contactless Pad, meaning, you just Tap your DC and then enter your PIN on the screen - bye, bye to any worries over skimmers.

I've used Contactless ATM machines in Poland and Italy and here at home.

Posted by
6274 posts

periscope, all the ATMs I used in Germany were contactless, which is very handy (and secure). Granted, I only used a couple since I paid for just about everything with a credit card, but it's good to know they are out there and becoming more prevalent.

Posted by
4586 posts

Hmmmm, I wonder if the ATM I used in Portugal today had a contactless feature. If so, I'd still have my card. Too late now.

"Jams are fun"
- Cameron Hewitt

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