Cash machine fraud

How it could happen to you

• You insert your card into a cash machine and enter your PIN. In the queue behind, a fraudster is looking over your shoulder
• A ‘passer-by’ distracts you by pointing to a dropped wallet or money on the ground and asking if it’s yours
• As you look away from the screen, an accomplice leans in to swipe your cash or card. If they take your card, they can use it with the PIN they’ve seen to take money from your account elsewhere
• In another scenario, your card won’t eject from the cash machine a ‘passer-by’ offers to help. They suggest you try your PIN again – which you do – and they watch to see which numbers you enter
• When your card still won’t come out, they suggest you go into the branch to ask for help. In your absence, they then eject your card and use it elsewhere
• A fraudster distracts you at a cash machine. They steal your card and replace it with a similar one so you don’t realise yours is gone

How to protect yourself  

• Always look closely at the slot on a cash machine. If it looks like it’s been tampered with, don’t use it and let the bank know
• You never know who’s behind you at a cash machine, so make sure you always shield the keypad when entering your PIN
• Never let anyone distract you at a cash machine. If you hear an ‘excuse me’ or ‘is this yours?’, stay focused and only respond when you’re finished
• If your card won’t eject from the cash machine, call your bank or card issuers helpline while you’re still standing by the machine. If you have the Barclays app, use it to temporarily freeze your card. Don’t walk off, accept help from a stranger or go into the bank to talk to the staff – this can allow a fraudster to move in and steal your card
• If you’re ever distracted at a cash machine, check the details on your card to make sure nobody has switched it with a similar one