Cash machine fraud

Fraudsters continue to find new ways to pull off this con, but the outcome is still the same – distracted at a cash machine, you lose sight of your card and your bank account is emptied before you realise.

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

Stop. Challenge. Protect.

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 issuer helpline while you’re still standing by the machine. Don’t walk off, accept help from a stranger or go into the bank to talk to staff – this can allow a fraudster to move in and steal your card

Identity fraud

Fraudsters steal personal information about you to impersonate you. They then take out loans and credit cards in your name, or withdraw cash from your bank account.

Identity fraud

Remote access fraud

A persuasive phone caller might claim they’ve spotted a problem with your computer and offer to take remote control of it to fix it. They could even say they’re calling from a bank and need to help with a ‘problem with your account’.

Remote access fraud