Suspicious ATM? Here are the signals to stop the transaction immediately

At a time when non -cash payments become commonplace, ATMs are still widely used. However, this is not only convenience, but also a risk. PKO Bank Polski warns customers against threats that may appear during cash withdrawal. In the official guide, the bank emphasizes: Just a few seconds of inattention to fall victim to fraudsters.

Safe ATM

According to PKO BP, the first step to using the ATM is observing the environment. Devices in poorly lit, secluded places are more often the goal of criminals. It is worth looking at the card reader – all protruding elements, overlays or unnatural -looking crevices can indicate a mounted skimmer. Such devices can faithfully imitate the original parts, while copying data from cards.

Protecting the PIN code is no less important. PKO BP reminds you to always cover the keyboard with a hand – both from people standing behind us and from microcamers that can be hidden on the device. It is the lack of this caution that often determines successful attempts to steal.

Theft methods

The bank also warns about thieves who are counting on human kindness. In branches or galleries, where the ATM is located in a closed room available only after applying the card, you should not let strangers. This is not a lack of politeness, but just taking care of your own safety.

After the transaction, customers should make sure that they took both the card and cash. PKO BP indicates that in stressful situations it is easy to inadvertently – and the card left in the device is an opportunity for criminals to quickly pay money.

The bank emphasizes that its message is not intended to scare customers, but to pay attention to real threats. “If anything raises your doubts, choose another ATM or stop the transaction and calmly leave,” says PKO BP. In case of suspected manipulation of the device, the case should be reported immediately to the bank.