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 PIN. 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?

You can feel safe using our Be1st Smart or Be1st Smart TPN debit card with greater security every time you spend and withdraw cash with a chip and 6-digit PIN at an ATM or shop at stores worldwide that will provide more security and cannot be duplicated by card skimmers.