22 July 2024
Stay Alert From Distraction Fraud
Stay alert when using ATMs or making in-person payments using debit and credit cards. Known as 'distraction fraud', scammers take advantage when you are distracted, for example on the phone, or else purposely distract you when making a transaction in order to get your PIN details and steal your card. This often involves 'shoulder surfing' where the thief 'watches over your shoulder' to see you putting in your PIN.
Types of distraction fraud to watch out for:
ATM'S - A fraudster watches you key in your PIN at an ATM and then distracts you before the transaction is finished, for example, by saying you have dropped some money. When you look around, the fraudster, or an accomplice, grabs your card from the machine and in the confusion, you may forget you haven't retrieved it yourself and walk away. The fraudster now has your card and PIN.
Card Swap - Similarly, a card swap scam can happen when you are at an ATM and the fraudster behind you watches whiles you enter your PIN number. When you go to take your money the fraudster distracts you, and an accomplice swaps the card in the machine for a fake card. You then end up taking the fake card and your cash, and the fraudsters now have your real card and the PIN.
Supermarkets - When you are using a card to pay in a supermarket a fraudster behind you watches you put in your PIN. Outside in the carpark, while you put your shopping away, an accomplice stops you and asks you for directions. While you are distracted your bag or wallet is stolen. The fraudsters now have your PIN and your card.
Nightclub / Bar Distraction Fraud - Similar to the supermarket distraction, a fraudster watches you enter your PIN while paying for drinks. Your bag or wallet gets stolen soon after this and they now have your card and your PIN.
Avoid falling victim to distraction fraud with our essential tips:
- Be wary of being distracted shortly after you have made an ATM transaction or card payment.
- Avoid using your phone at ATMs, being distracted makes you an easy target
- Be alert for 'shoulder surfing' - shield your PIN.
- Don't let your card out of your sight when paying for goods or services.
- Protect your personal information: Safeguard your sensitive information such as passwords, Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) and bank account details, including card information, and avoid sharing them unnecessarily.
- Check your account regularly and report any suspicious or unrecognised transactions immediately.
By staying alert and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud and avoid becoming a target for scammers.
See more details and a short video here on how to stay safe at an ATM.
