Cash trapping at ATMs: A silent threat to your finances
Unfortunately, using an ATM can sometimes end in disaster due to a phenomenon known as cash trapping. This straightforward yet effective method is employed by fraudsters to steal money from ATM users. To achieve this, fraudsters make a slight modification to the machine, causing the user to lose their withdrawn cash.
Cash trapping is a highly effective and simple method of theft aimed at people withdrawing money from an ATM. The basis of the fraud involves altering the machine so that the withdrawn amount is not delivered to the customer.
What is cash trapping?
The withdrawal process appears normal but concludes differently than with a standard, secure ATM. The difference is that the banknotes are not visible and do not reach the user. This is possible because an additional element is installed where the banknotes should be dispensed.
Thanks to this special cover, it is impossible to retrieve cash from the ATM. Fraudsters often use double-sided tape to attach it to the installed element. As usually happens, the banknotes stick to the tape, preventing the machine from retracting the money if it is not collected.
How to protect yourself from cash trapping?
Protecting yourself from cash trapping can be difficult because checking whether an ATM has been modified can be problematic. Fraudsters use covers that are not noticeable at first glance. To ensure the ATM's safety, gently pull on the part that dispenses the banknotes. If the device has been tampered with, this part may shift.
If it wasn't possible to withdraw cash despite the ATM confirming the transaction, it is highly probable that you've fallen victim to fraud. In such a situation, do not move away from the ATM.
You should contact the ATM operator as soon as possible. The contact number should be on the device or available online. Alternatively, you can call the bank's hotline and follow the consultant's instructions.
