1. Always shield the key pad with your hand when you are entering your PIN number so that it cannot be read by secret cameras or strangers.
   
   
2. Get into the habit of using the same ATM machine for your transactions. Become familiar with it so you will be able to recognize changes to the machine.
   
   
3. If you must use a different ATM, check it carefully for devices which may have been fitted on top of the original features. As a general rule of thumb, it is better to use a newer machine, which will have additional safety features such as anti-skimming hardware.
   
   
4. Use ATMs in places with good lighting and in very secure or high traffic areas such as beside a 24 hour retail outlet or inside a bank.
   
   
5. Look out for 'extra' cameras in the ATM booth apart from the regular ATM security camera. Do not use an ATM if it has fittings above the machine such as a brochure holder as these may be used to conceal cameras.
   
   
6. Use your body to block the view of people behind you from looking over your shoulder.
   
   
7. If an ATM is malfunctioning and it holds your card, report this to the bank immediately and cancel your ATM on the spot.
   
   
8. If an ATM is not working, it may be a scam to direct you to a nearby ATM which has been tampered with. Use another machine well away from this location.
   
   
9. Never hand your ATM card to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM.
   
   
10. Be cautious about withdraw large amounts of cash at ATMs if you are alone or in an area where there is no security.
    
    
11. Apply for Bangkok Bank’s Be1st Smart Visa Debit card, Thailand’s first debit card to use EMV chip security technology, which is almost impossible to copy.

Guide to ATM Skimming
As criminals become more sophisticated in their technical know-how, ATM skimming and counterfeit debit card fraud has become more common. ATM skimming occurs when criminals alter an ATM with technology which copies information contained on a card’s magnetic stripe.

How do criminals ‘skim’ an ATM?
The most common criminal practice is via a phony-front ATM. The fraudster places a fake keypad directly over the legitimate ATM keypad, copying the cardholder’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) as they use the ATM. Criminals additionally place a phony ATM card reader over the card insert slot to capture the card’s magnetic-stripe data.

Cardholders then unknowingly use the phony-front ATM to conduct a cash transaction, swiping the card and entering their PIN. The information is then sent to a remote computer and either an ‘unable to dispense cash’ message appears, or ‘the cash is dispensed and the actual transaction is completed’, depending on the type of phony ATM card reader used.

What do criminals do with the skimmed information obtained?
Criminals create counterfeit ATM cards, using them to make cash withdrawals at ATMs.

What is Bangkok Bank doing to protect its customers against ATM skimming fraud?
Bangkok Bank customers can feel safe knowing their Be1st Smart VISA debit card is nearly impossible to copy, as it is fitted with the latest EMV security chip technology. Any card featuring an EMV chip can be securely used at any Bangkok Bank ATM nationwide displaying the sign. Bangkok Bank ATMs are also checked regularly for any signs of fraud.