The sneaky mistake that makes you an easy target after using an ATM
Withdrawing money from an ATM is one of the most common daily operations. However, an automatic gesture that most people overlook can trigger a chain of digital fraud. Security doesn’t end when you take the cash: what you do with the transaction receipt can be crucial to protecting yourself.
### What information does a simple receipt reveal?
Even though it may seem like a worthless piece of paper, the receipt from a banking operation can include fragments of the card number, the amount withdrawn, the transaction time, and even the available balance. This information, in the wrong hands, can be used to build or launch social engineering attacks in order to access your accounts.
Authorities like the Bank of Spain insist that you should never leave the receipt forgotten in the ATM or throw it in nearby bins. Every piece of data, no matter how small it seems, can be exploited by cybercriminals to design personalized scams.
### What to do with the receipt and how to properly dispose of it
If you don’t need to keep the receipt, the best thing to do is to completely destroy it. Shredding it into small pieces or passing it through a shredder at home or at work are effective methods to ensure that no one can reconstruct the information. Avoid throwing it near the ATM or on the street, as someone could easily retrieve it.
These simple precautions, although simple, can make the difference between a secure transaction and the beginning of a banking fraud.
### How to detect if an ATM has been tampered with
Before inserting your card, observe the condition of the card reader, keypad, and cash dispenser slot. If you notice loose parts, misaligned components, or parts that look strange, the ATM may have been altered with skimming technology, which clones banking data.
In that case, avoid operating and immediately inform your bank. Visual inspection is your first line of defense.
Protecting your PIN: a key practice
The PIN is your personal password and its protection is crucial. Always cover the keypad when entering it, even if there is no one around. There are hidden cameras installed by criminals to record your movements without you realizing.
Use your hand, wallet, or phone to block the view of the keypad and make sure that no one gets too close while you are operating.
Habits that increase your risk without you noticing
Among the most common mistakes are accepting help from strangers in case of malfunctions, getting distracted while the system is operating, or not keeping the card before moving away from the ATM. It is also risky to operate in poorly lit or exposed areas.
Whenever possible, use ATMs inside bank branches or shopping malls. And if you notice anything out of the ordinary, cancel the transaction and look for another machine or contact your bank.
