United States Postal Inspection Service
1001 California Avenue • Room 2100
Pittsburgh, PA 15290-9000
ATM FRAUD
ATM fraud typically occurs when you write down your personal identification number (PIN) on a piece of paper
which is in a wallet or purse that has been stolen. In some cases however, thieves will peer over your shoulder while you are conducting
business at an ATM and watch as you enter your PIN. The thief will then distract you long enough to steal the card.
Thieves who are more technologically advanced may create false fronts for ATM's which electronically record and store the information from your card.
A small camera mounted nearby may record your PIN being entered into the ATM. The thief can then retrieve
the false ATM unit or receive the information from a wireless signal thereby allowing him to create counterfeit
cards with working PIN numbers. See the photos below for an example of this technology.
The front of what appears to be a legitimate looking ATM machine
A thief has placed a false front over the slot where the ATM card is inserted.
This front records the information on the magnetic strip of the card.
Notice the brochure holder hanging to the left of the ATM
When removed, the brochure holder shows a hole in the side which houses a
camera and transmitter to monitor your pin number as they are entered.
A close-up view of the camera and transmitter
Click HERE for a complete list of scams and other fraudulent activity.
The Financial Crimes Task Force of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a cooperative effort
of federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies working together to address
the growing problem of financial crimes. The task force is run under the direction of the
United States Postal Inspection Service.
