What should you do if your card is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to your bank immediately to block the card and prevent unauthorised transactions.

What should you do if you notice unauthorised transactions on your account?

Contact your bank immediately to report the transactions and follow their procedures for disputing them.

Is it safe to use ATMs during off-peak hours?

It can be riskier to use ATMs during off-peak hours due to reduced surveillance, so it's advisable to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

How do scammers tamper with ATMs?

Scammers may install skimming devices or fake keypads on ATMs to capture card details and PINs.

Are there any specific types of ATMs that are more prone to tampering?

ATMs located in isolated or poorly monitored areas are often more vulnerable to tampering.

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ATM Card Tempering Scam: How To Stay Safe

Komal Bajpai

Author

Updated: 23-04-2025 at 12:30 PM

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 a 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 below to find out about ATM card trap scams in depth.

How Does The ATM Card Trap Scam Work?

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 a hold of your card 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?

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 and the authorities.

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.

To learn more about ATM tempering and scams, visit the NPCI website today. In case of any illegal transfer from your account, register your complaint on NPCI.

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