This is how ATM scams work to deceive older people and empty their accounts

The National Police has dismantled in the Community of Madrid a gang specialized in scamming elderly people through a very simple method. The operation has resulted in the arrest of five people who are attributed with at least 21 crimes committed in the capital of Madrid and in municipalities in the south of the region such as Parla, Fuenlabrada, Móstoles and Leganés.

The group had developed a strategy to take advantage of the vulnerability of older people after the physical manipulation of ATMs. With small plates cut from soda cans that they inserted into the keyboards, they ruined the keys. Thus, the cashier seemed damagedgenerating confusion for those trying to withdraw cash.

The contactless trick

As has been said, the band used the naivety of older adults. Thus, when the elderly found the keyboard locked, the criminals approached feigning good will, suggesting then to use the ‘contactless’ system. In this way, without the victim knowing, they opened an active session in the ATM, which was ready to operate.

Once the victim left when he thought that the ATM was not working, another of those involved quickly removed the keys from the keyboard to take action. In a matter of seconds, The scammers entered the password and withdrew the maximum money allowed by the card. The victims were not aware of what had happened until they went to another ATM, tried to pay for a purchase or reviewed their bank transactions.

This is how you can avoid this type of scam

The National Police has taken advantage of this operation to recall a series of recommendations aimed especially at older people. Among themgo to the ATMs accompanied by someone you trustpreferably use those located inside the branches, always cover the keyboard when entering the PIN and distrust strangers who offer help.

They also advise avoiding withdrawing large amounts of money, direct debiting payments whenever possible and Frequently review bank transactions. Prevention and reasonable distrust remain the best tools to avoid this type of crime.