Cash Trapping / Transaction Reversal Fraud

Cash trapping remained the most popular type of ATM fraud in Europe during April. While consumers can be warned to be vigilant, if the trap is fitted inside the dispenser rather than on the external side of the shutter, it is impossible for consumers to notice the device. Transaction reversal fraud linked to internal cash traps also continued to be identified during the month. Although most reports of cash trapping have originated from Europe, the technical simplicity of the fraud method is likely to continue its spread globally.

Card Trapping / Card Swapping / Leaving Transaction Live

Card trapping frequently accompanied by the use of cameras to record PIN entry was widely detected in April. Garda (police) in Ireland have warned consumers about both card trapping and cash trapping attacks, with advice to contact their local station should either their card or cash fail to be presented. In the UK, three brothers and a cousin were sentenced to between 12 and 20 months prison for card trapping and shoulder surfing. Leaving transaction live fraud, using the stuck key technique was widely reported in India during April. In a US incident, strong glue was used to perpetrate the crime.

ATM Skimming / Skimming / EFTPOS Compromise

Police in the Philippines arrested a group of Malaysian nationals and recovered ATM skimming equipment. ATM skimming in the US continued at a significant level in April. In addition to making cash withdrawals, the purchase of prepaid gift cards was identified. ATM skimming arrests in New Zealand included suspects of Romanian nationality. ATM skimming in India was reported during the month. In a UK incident, cards skimmed at ATMs were subsequently used for fraud spend in Thailand and other overseas locations.

Ram Raid Attacks / Theft of ATM / Smash-and-Grab / Theft from ATM

A suspect in the US managed to dislodge an ATM but failed to lift it into his vehicle. In another US incident, a suspect removed an ATM with a skid loader but was easily apprehended following a 10 mph police pursuit. Police in Indonesia arrested four suspects and shot two others dead following a spate of ATM thefts. The suspects admitted targeting specific bank ATMs that were not fully secured with bolts embedded into concrete. Suspects in the UK attempted to pull out an ATM with a 4x4 vehicle and chain in front of onlookers but failed when the chain broke. Three men manually removed an ATM from a hotel in New Zealand. In the US, one man walked into a restaurant and manually dragged an ATM outside to a vehicle, in front of customers and staff. A crowbar was used in a failed theft from an ATM in the US. The ATM was damaged but the cash remained intact. A fire alarm activated during an attempt to cut open an ATM in Malaysia with a blowtorch. Prior to the attempted theft, CCTV cameras were sabotaged with tape.

Explosive Attacks

The use of explosives continued through April. In the UK, explosive gas was used and in South Africa, solid explosives were used in ATM bombings.

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The above digest is provided by DFR Risk Management, who provide consultancy services advising ATM and self-service terminal deployers and manufacturers, as well as law-enforcement agencies, on how to manage ATM and self-service terminal fraud and security threats.