What is ATM tampering?

ATM tampering is when fraudsters alter or damage an ATM machine to steal card details or cash illegally.

How to tell if ATM is tampered?

Loose card slots, unusual devices, hidden cameras, or extra attachments on keypad/slot may indicate tampering.

What is ATM skimming scam?

It is a fraud where a skimming device is placed on an ATM to copy card data, often with a hidden camera to capture PINs.

What does a tampered ATM look like?

A tampered ATM may have misaligned or bulky card slots, loose keypads, unusual attachments, or hidden cameras.

How to detect a card skimmer?

Check if the card slot is loose, keypad feels raised, or there are unusual devices—always cover the keypad while entering PIN.

How does a debit card scam work?

Fraudsters steal card details through skimmers, phishing, or fake links and use them to withdraw money or make purchases.

How does a debit card scam work?

Fraudsters steal card details through skimmers, phishing, or fake links and use them to withdraw money or make purchases.

How does a debit card scam work?

Fraudsters steal card details through skimmers, phishing, or fake links and use them to withdraw money or make purchases.

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What Is ATM Card Tempering Scam And How To Stay Safe?

Komal Bajpai

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Updated: 03-09-2025 at 3:30 PM

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Online scams are increasing day by day, so it is very crucial to be extra cautious while sharing personal information and details online. The one type of scam that is on the rise right now is ATM card trap scams. The scammers get hold of your sensitive personal information and use it to steal your money. Fraudsters use skimming devices to steal your card information, distract you to steal your PIN, and withdraw money from your account.

Read the article to learn more about the unauthorised usage ATM card meaning, latest ATM frauds in India, including the ATM frauds types, process of filing ATM frauds complaints, and answers to questions like ‘Can I find the person who stole and withdraw money from my ATM card?’, or ‘What are the requirements for applying ATM card?’, or ‘How to apply for DSP ATM card?’.

Overview

The table below summarises some key details about the latest ATM frauds in India that one should be aware of.

Unauthorised usage ATM card meaning	Using someone’s ATM card information for personal use and gain
What are the requirements for applying ATM card?	Valid proof of ID
How to apply for DSP ATM card?	Please visit a DSP’s bank branch, request a form, attach the required documents, and submit
Can I find the person who stole and withdraw money from my ATM card?	File a complaint and the authorities will help you catch the culprit
Action to be taken	File ATM frauds complaints

Rising Rate Of Online Scams In India

As time passes and India develops, the instances of ATM card scams have also been rising fast. According to a report of 2024, people of India lost around Rs. 22,800 crore to various types of cyber frauds. The Reserve Bank of India has also reported that around 36 crore have been lost in criminal activities of cyber fraud. These aren’t merely numbers but a representation of how criminals are devising creative ways of defrauding people through ways like misusing someone’s ATM cards.

How Does The ATM Card Trap Scam Work?

There are several ways through which fraudsters can misuse your SBI ATM Card 2025. Some of the ways and ATM frauds types are as follows:

They might install a skimming device that records your card information when you insert it. In some cases, they completely remove the card reader, leaving your card to become stuck in the machine, leading to theft attempts.
Feigning helpfulness: Sometimes people’s cards get stuck in the ATM, and a stranger might come along to help you with your card. Even though it might seem like they are trying to help you, they are stealing your information while acting like a helpful stranger.
They then try to steal your PIN by watching you enter it. They might also convince you to call the bank while you wait, but their actual goal is to distract you and steal your information at that time.
They then get hold of your SBI ATM Card 2025 and steal your information.

This scam is scary, as it takes advantage of people’s naïve nature and tries to come off as nice and genuine people who want to help you. It also gets hard to understand people’s intentions when they are being nice in real life or not.

Also read: How to Withdraw Money from ATMs Using UPI | Jaagruk Bharat

How Do You Stay Cautious Of ATM Card Trap Scams?

Some preventive measures through which people can stay aware and cautious against ATM frauds types are laid out below:

Before using an ATM, take a good look at it for anything unusual. Check around the card slot for anything that seems odd or out of place, like attachments that don’t belong there. Look for signs that someone might have tampered with it, such as parts that seem loose or hidden cameras that could be watching. If something doesn't look right, it's better to inform the other people waiting to use the ATM and visit another ATM.
It can be hard to differentiate between a genuine, kind person who wants to help you and a scammer, but it is better to be safe than fall prey to their scam.
No legitimate organisation will ask you to share your PIN with them on call or in person.
Never use ATMs that seem shady. Choose ATMs located in well-lit areas with security cameras. Also, make sure that the door shuts completely so that strangers cannot come in without you noticing. It is also preferable to use an ATM inside a bank branch during operating hours.
Then contact and report to the bank or the authorities, and file ATM frauds complaints.

Conclusion

As this scam relies on people’s trustworthiness, it is important to educate everyone on this. People should be extra cautious, as this scam happens very often. Never rely on a stranger's kindness to help you with your card, as it holds sensitive information and can cause financial loss.

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