Beware of the increasing crime of ATM vandalism and bank skimming during Tet holiday

ANTD.VN - Recently, some banks have had their ATMs vandalized by bad guys to steal money or used new, complex tricks to install skimming devices to steal transaction card data at ATMs in order to make fake cards to withdraw money...

The Bank Card Association (Vietnam Banking Association) has just sent a document to member banks requesting to strengthen security and safety of ATM operations to ensure the ATM system operates safely, effectively and smoothly, especially during the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays.

Accordingly, the Bank Card Association said that recently, some member banks have had their ATMs vandalized by bad guys to steal money or used new, complex tricks to install skimming devices to steal transaction card data at ATMs in order to make fake cards to withdraw money...

Following the State Bank's direction on limiting and/or requiring banks to refuse transactions made using data on magnetic strips, it is not excluded that these groups of subjects will continue to increase their cash withdrawal activities using stolen card data during previous periods.

Banking crimes often increase sharply during Tet.

The Card Association said that the subjects often use glue/tape to cover the camera to prevent it from recording images and then smash the body of the machine or use a tool to blow the ATM's payment door/cash drawer to sabotage the ATM and steal the money inside. Or the subjects install skimming devices to steal transaction card data at the ATM to make fake cards to withdraw money at the location of the theft or nearby.

In case the card data was stolen before, the subject used a series of fake cards to continuously withdraw money at ATMs along the same route.

Therefore, the Card Association recommends that member banks need to increase vigilance against the risk of ATM vandalism/ATM skimming to steal money and respond promptly to vandals. Because the targets of vandals are ATMs located in deserted locations, with little traffic at night, and without 24/7 security.

Banks need to review the scene of all ATMs under the bank's management, ensure that the ATM installation location is fully equipped with security equipment, especially cameras (including scanners and image storage, alarms, fire alarms, etc.), adjust the ATM surveillance camera angle, ensure coverage of locations including the card reader area, PIN entry keyboard as a basis for the bank's remote monitoring of ATM security and safety.

Arrange for staff to be on duty and check camera images at ATMs, especially at locations where there are no security guards, to promptly detect cases of suspected individuals installing data theft devices/fraudulent card use and/or suspected/committed ATM sabotage.

Increase periodic on-site inspections of all ATMs, paying attention to the card reader area, keyboard, keyboard protection device (if any), cover around the ATM screen, ATM camera to promptly detect strange devices that are abnormally attached, covered, connected to the ATM and/or small drills to install super small devices/cameras...

“When detecting an ATM with unusual signs such as tape marks, missing keyboard covers or signs of having been removed and re-installed... it is necessary to cross-check and review the camera images at the ATM to determine signs of suspected skimming. In particular, subjects with strange behavior, suspected of installing skimming devices such as strange devices, transactions using cards with strange colors, logos, symbols...” – Card Association recommends.

In addition, banks need to receive and process inquiries and complaints in accordance with the bank's internal regulations and regulations of the State Bank of Vietnam...

Timely report to competent authorities within the bank, coordinate with the police, local authorities, media agencies, and security and order protection agencies in the area to respond to cases of external subjects destroying or robbing money in machines...

At the same time, banks need to proactively conduct multi-channel communication to customers about safety measures when transacting at ATMs to increase customers' awareness of proactive risk management.

The Card Association recommends that member banks strengthen measures to prevent and combat ATM skimming through: Hardware solutions - coordinate with equipment suppliers, maintenance and repair partners to install ATM prevention equipment; prioritize locations and areas that have been recommended to have a high risk of ATM skimming according to regular meetings of the Risk Management Subcommittee;

Solutions to limit/block fallback transactions based on time frame criteria, risk appetite threshold, transaction channel... to limit losses due to ATM skimming while still ensuring effective customer service.

Source: https://www.anninhthudo.vn/canh-giac-toi-pham-dap-pha-atm-skimming-chiem-doat-tien-ngan-hang-gia-tang-dip-tet-post599728.antd