It's common sense that using an ATM requires a certain degree of caution, but if you think getting mugged at the machine is all you have to look out for, you're in for a shock. ATM scams are getting more creative by the day, and you need to know how they work and what you can do to protect yourself against these money scams.

Just because a machine looks normal at first glance, it doesn't mean it hasn't been used for scamming money. ATM skimmers, cash traps, and system hacks are all becoming commonplace in the dark world of fraud, and most of the time, they're fully concealed inside the ATM.

While there's little you can do once the scamming device is already installed, you can dodge it by sticking to ATMs from banks you trust, covering your PIN from possible hidden cameras, and setting up transaction alerts on your bank account so you can easily intercept any suspicious activity. If you do become a victim of fraud, it goes without saying that issuing a scammer alert to your bank and canceling your card is a must-do.

Check out the most insane ATM scamming examples below, and don't worry about being a little paranoid next time you use one - it's your money you're dealing with, after all.

#1

Sometimes Wiggling The ATM Is Not Enough

Sometimes Wiggling The ATM Is Not Enough

Is_It_Beef Report

Hans
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Admittedly, placing this fake ATM on an ATM would be captured by all CCTV cameras in the vincinity...I cannot imagine this do be done without getting attention. ;)

View More Replies...
View more comments
#2

Always Wiggle The Card Reader

Always Wiggle The Card Reader

atlas5280 Report

Anya O
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you look below the card reader, you can see a sign that says audio and has headphones on it, AN ATM HAS A HEADPHONE JACK BUT THE IPHONE 7 DOESN'T....I'm starting to think if i should just buy an ATM instead.

View More Replies...
View more comments
#3

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Headphone Socket Sunk In And Off Alignment

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Headphone Socket Sunk In And Off Alignment

Wujubird Report

Intensive Panda
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why do an ATM have an Audio Jack? To listen to sad music while get some money from your account?

View More Replies...
View more comments
#5

Went To An ATM I Frequently Use In Houston And Notice Something Different... What Is This Grey Box?

Went To An ATM I Frequently Use In Houston And Notice Something Different... What Is This Grey Box?

peltier Report

Carol Krason
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BLANK ATM CARDS/CLONE CARDS Engr Weber produces the best and reliable BLANK ATM CARDs with the highest accuracy. i believe him so much because he came through for me and made me get $5,500 daily and i've made over $50,000 since it got delivered to me recently now i have my business and my family do not beg anymore. if interested you can contact him now via blankatmdeliveryxpress@gmail.com don't be scared you pay and the card get program by them, and delivery takes just 3days all over the world it cost money to get one so get your cash ready when contacting him is legit please share as many would need this help thanks.

View more comments
#6

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Cracks Underneath The Receipt Slot

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Cracks Underneath The Receipt Slot

Wujubird Report

#7

False Keypad Overlay And Card Skimmer

False Keypad Overlay And Card Skimmer

Matt South Report

#8

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Card Slot Sticking Out

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Card Slot Sticking Out

Wujubird Report

#9

Pinhole Camera

Pinhole Camera

Matt South Report

Ria Hyams
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why if possible I take money out only inside a bank using the ATM in a bank

View more comments
#10

I Always Check The ATM Before Withdrawing Money. Panel Under The Screen Came Off As Well. The Panel Contained A Camera. The Green Piece In The Picture Was Over The Card Slot And Scans You Credit Card

I Always Check The ATM Before Withdrawing Money. Panel Under The Screen Came Off As Well. The Panel Contained A Camera. The Green Piece In The Picture Was Over The Card Slot And Scans You Credit Card

larskris Report

Carol Krason
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BLANK ATM CARDS/CLONE CARDS Engr Weber produces the best and reliable BLANK ATM CARDs with the highest accuracy. i believe him so much because he came through for me and made me get $5,500 daily and i've made over $50,000 since it got delivered to me recently now i have my business and my family do not beg anymore. if interested you can contact him now via blankatmdeliveryxpress@gmail.com don't be scared you pay and the card get program by them, and delivery takes just 3days all over the world it cost money to get one so get your cash ready when contacting him is legit please share as many would need this help thanks.

See Also on Bored Panda
#11

Cash Trap Devices

Cash Trap Devices

Safe ATM Report

Carol Krason
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BLANK ATM CARDS/CLONE CARDS Engr Weber produces the best and reliable BLANK ATM CARDs with the highest accuracy. i believe him so much because he came through for me and made me get $5,500 daily and i've made over $50,000 since it got delivered to me recently now i have my business and my family do not beg anymore. if interested you can contact him now via blankatmdeliveryxpress@gmail.com don't be scared you pay and the card get program by them, and delivery takes just 3days all over the world it cost money to get one so get your cash ready when contacting him is legit please share as many would need this help thanks.

View more comments
#12

How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Button Color Is Changed (This Particular ATM Had Black Button Before)

 How To Spot An ATM Skimmer: Button Color Is Changed (This Particular ATM Had Black Button Before)

Wujubird Report

Hans
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hm...most ATMs I have seen as of late have the middle button colored in yellow...

View More Replies...
View more comments
#13

ATM Skimmer Transmits Stolen Data Via Text Message

ATM Skimmer Transmits Stolen Data Via Text Message

krebsonsecurity Report

Danny Root
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the scammer themselves took the pictures as they were putting one of these together in their kitchen.

View more comments
#14

Card Reader And Camera Attached As A Panel On The Frame Of The Screen

Card Reader And Camera Attached As A Panel On The Frame Of The Screen

larskris Report

Carol Krason
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BLANK ATM CARDS/CLONE CARDS Engr Weber produces the best and reliable BLANK ATM CARDs with the highest accuracy. i believe him so much because he came through for me and made me get $5,500 daily and i've made over $50,000 since it got delivered to me recently now i have my business and my family do not beg anymore. if interested you can contact him now via blankatmdeliveryxpress@gmail.com don't be scared you pay and the card get program by them, and delivery takes just 3days all over the world it cost money to get one so get your cash ready when contacting him is legit please share as many would need this help thanks.

#15

Lebanese Loop. Slits Are Cut Into Both Sides Of The Trap. This Prevents Your Card From Being Returned Prior To Completing Your Transaction

Lebanese Loop. Slits Are Cut Into Both Sides Of The Trap. This Prevents Your Card From Being Returned Prior To Completing Your Transaction

Report

Elie Hanna
Community Member
6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh.. whats that ??? Im lebanese and never heard about it

View more comments
#16

ATM Skimmer

ATM Skimmer

mikko Report

Carol Krason
Community Member
1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BLANK ATM CARDS/CLONE CARDS Engr Weber produces the best and reliable BLANK ATM CARDs with the highest accuracy. i believe him so much because he came through for me and made me get $5,500 daily and i've made over $50,000 since it got delivered to me recently now i have my business and my family do not beg anymore. if interested you can contact him now via blankatmdeliveryxpress@gmail.com don't be scared you pay and the card get program by them, and delivery takes just 3days all over the world it cost money to get one so get your cash ready when contacting him is legit please share as many would need this help thanks.

View more comments