At a time when fraudsters are coming up with new schemes every day to cheat people, the least we can do is be on guard
At a time when fraudsters are coming up with new schemes every day to cheat people, the least we can do is be on guard. This paper reported that the Mumbai Police arrested two men for conning people at ATMs. The crooks managed to cheat at least 16 victims using the oldest trick in the book - they merely stood behind the victims and peeked over the shoulder for the ATM PIN.
Before the person could continue with the transaction, they would tell them that the machine wasn't working. The unsuspecting customer would leave without canceling the transaction on the ATM, and the accused would quickly key in the PIN and withdraw cash from the account.
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The obvious takeaway from this is to be cautious while withdrawing money at an ATM - look around to see if there is anyone suspicious in the booth, or if anybody is peering over your shoulder. Block the keypad with your body so that it becomes harder for anybody to peek at your PIN.
Be instantly suspicious of people who try to engage you in conversation while at the ATM. If they are not bank officials, do not entertain them in any way. Do not accept strangers' offers for help. If you need assistance, call the bank employees or the security staff posted at the ATM booth.
Most of all though, be calm and take your time at the ATM, even if you are in a rush or the people in queue seem impatient. Too often, we see people in a tearing hurry to take the money and depart. They pay scant attention to their surroundings. They do not bother to end the transaction, and instead grab their card and run, leaving a window of opportunity for conmen. We have seen too many ATM crimes that could have been easily prevented just by paying more attention.
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