Attention, vacationers! Police warn of ATM fraudsters in Binz

Attention, vacationers! Police warn of ATM fraudsters in Binz

In the idyllic coastal regions of Germany, such as in Binz on Rügen, a shadow threatens to overshadow the joys of vacation: fraudsters are tampering with ATMs. Police recently warned the public that both locals and tourists have been targeted by criminals who are using sophisticated methods to make money. A specific case of a 49-year-old man who discovered manipulation at an ATM at the end of July makes it clear how serious the situation is. He realized he was unable to withdraw money and immediately informed the police, who, based on his report, launched an investigation into attempted fraud and theft. According to Merkur it is the manipulative scam “cash trapping”.

This method involves placing a panel on the cash dispenser of the machine that holds the money back and makes it appear as if the machine is broken. These panels are covered with adhesive film so that the money cannot be confiscated. The police therefore advise that when using ATMs, you should pay attention to unusual features such as loose parts or a strange appearance of the dispensing slot. If money is not paid out, you should remain calm and inform the bank or police immediately instead of handling the ATM yourself. These precautions are particularly important to avoid falling victim to one of these nasty scams.

Growing dangers from manipulative technologies

But the fraudsters' tricks are often even more insidious. As Polizei-Beratung reports, the perpetrators often use manipulated card readers that cannot be distinguished from the original ATMs at first glance. These devices can be customized so that they visually resemble the respective vending machine model. While the bank card is pushed into the illegal reader, it is simultaneously forwarded to the original card reader so that account data can be read unnoticed.

Another problem is PIN security: Fraudsters often use hidden cameras or fake keyboards to record users' PIN entries. The data collected using these methods is then used to produce counterfeit cards, which are usually used abroad as they do not work within Germany due to modern chip technology.

The situation in Germany

In general, security at ATMs in Germany has increased. The Banking Association states that since 2011 only the EMV chip has been used for financial transactions, which has significantly reduced the risk of manipulation. There are currently over 56,000 ATMs in Germany, but the number of ATMs is trending down. More and more people are using cashless payment methods, which have seen a boost during the pandemic. In 2023, around 50% of all transactions were still carried out in cash, but the trend towards a decrease is clearly visible.

This entire scenario shows that both locals and visitors should be aware of the dangers that lurk when withdrawing money. A little attention and caution can help protect yourself from these unpleasant surprises.