New technologies have become an essential part of our daily lives, but they have also generated an increase digital scams. From financial fraud to identity theft, mobile devices and social media, fraud affects millions of people. Although many choose to electronic paymentsCash continues to be the predominant means of payment in Spain, which is why the Civil Guard has warned of the risks of withdraw money from ATMswhere criminals install devices to clone cards and copy the PIN code.
The Civil Guard has published on social networks basic recommendations for Avoiding ATM Fraud: check if they have been tampered with, cover the keyboard when entering the PIN and alert the entity if the card is stuck. The message seeks to remind the importance of caution when withdrawing money, offering clear and useful advice to prevent possible thefts.
The ATM scam that the Civil Guard warns against
Skimming is a form of cybercrime that involves stealing information stored on magnetic stripes on credit or debit cardsCriminals use a device called a ‘skimmer’, which they place on ATMs to copy card details without the person realising.
This device collects key information such as owner name, card number and CVVwhich can then be cloned or used for online purchases without the need for the physical card. To obtain the PIN, criminals use techniques such as strategic mirrors, hidden cameras or malware installed on the ATM. They can also superimpose fake readers or fake keyboards to record keystrokes.
The Civil Guard has issued a series of recommendations for Avoiding Skimming Scams when using ATMs, a type of fraud that involves manipulating the devices to steal card data.
Among the tips, it is important to check if the slot where the card is inserted is abnormally large, which could indicate the presence of a skimmer. It is also advisable to check if the slot is loose or blockedbecause this could be a sign of a “Lebanese trap”, a technique to trap the card and recover it later.
Another preventative measure is to move the keyboard to check if it has been tampered with in order to steal the entered data. In addition, the Civil Guard recommends activating mobile notifications that alert about bank account movements, which allows you to quickly detect any fraudulent use of the card. By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams.
New type of scam
On the other hand, the Civil Guard has warned of a new type of scam called “ATM scam”, which combines cybercrime and the use of ATMs. Criminals They simulate a bank website to trick users into giving up their credentials. Through fake SMS messages, victims are redirected to a fake banking website, where they provide their information and a code that allows them to withdraw money without needing a card.
This method allows fraudsters withdraw up to 200 euros per generated codeThe Civil Guard recommends not following links contained in text messages supposedly sent by banks, as the entities never request confidential information by SMS or email.
If you receive a suspicious message, it is best to contact the bank directly through official channels. It is also advisable to review the Website URL to confirm its authenticity. Scams of this type have been recorded in Spain, with recent cases in Cantabria resulting in considerable financial losses.
New OCU alert regarding this fraud
Digitalization has increased the risk of virtual scamswhere criminals impersonate legitimate institutions to steal money and personal data. These scams typically begin with messages via SMS, emails or messaging apps, warning of alleged unauthorized access to bank accounts. By clicking on the link provided, the victim is directed to a fake page imitating the website of a financial institution, where personal and banking information is requested.
In the face of this growing threat, organizations like the OCU have been alerting consumers to these tactics. This is essential check for any suspicious activity directly to the bank account using official and secure channels such as mobile applications or verified websites. If a scam attempt is detected, the message should be deleted, the sender blocked and the bank immediately contacted via secure channels.
In the event that personal or banking data is compromised, it is important to notify the incident to the relevant authorities, such as the INCIBÉand file a complaint.
