Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

Man Becomes Suspicious of ATM and Discovers Skimmer

Edited By: Jake R.

Font Size:

A+ A-

I don't know about you but I go everywhere with my bank and credit cards, using them both to get cash and for virtually every transaction. I am aware of ATMs being targeted by thieves, yet only when I saw this video and read the account of Benjamin Tedesco did it really hit home for me how at risk I am from cleverly hidden, devious technology designed to steal my hard earned money and private credit card details.

Have a look at this short video of what Benjamin saw when he inspected an ATM during a family holiday in Vienna, Austria:

having trouble playing this movie? click here

What he managed to pull off, to the benefit of many future customers of that particular ATM, was a credit or debit card skimmer, which is designed to steal your cards. The device is an exact replica of the normal card slot found on an ATM, it has simply been glued over the top of the original 'hole in the wall.'

This sophisticated device has a magnetic strip reader, battery, switch, and control board. Quite satisfied with his discovery, Benjamin posted his video onto YouTube on 19th June 2016, and it became an instant viral hit with millions of views, and even a parody video.

While watching the parody video, Benjamin noticed something else that he had missed. Just above the purple information card over the keypad there is a grey 'lip' that protrudes out. He realized that this was a secret camera, designed to record people's pin code inputs.

When Benjamin compared the ATM in his video with the later recording in the spoof he realized that the grey 'lip' was only present on the earlier video, and hence had been removed. The first image below shows the additional grey strip that conceals a camera. The second image shows the ATM as it's meant to appear, and does in the spoof video.

This all goes to show how dangerous it is to trust in ATMs with our bank accounts. In the future, get into the habit of having a look at anything that seems like it could be removable when you use an ATM. Try and compare it with another one nearby. The best thing to do would be to stick to one or two ATMs that you can get to know as well as the back of your hand, then you will notice anything unusual.

H/T: a; b
Cover image by Deposit Photos

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Computers & Internet

Don't Fall for These Fake Virus Warnings On Your Computer!

How to Tell If a Virus Warning Is Real or Fake - 12 Tips

If you see a barrage of security alerts popping up on your computer, then it might be sign of a virus attack.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Withdrawing Money From an ATM Abroad Can Be Tricky

8:18

How ATMs in Foreign Countries Can Scam You

Be careful when you're withdrawing money on your travels abroad. Some ATMs can sneakily charge as much as 86% of the sum you withdraw...

Computers & Internet

Pro Tips: Enhancing Chrome, Firefox, & Safari Security

Make Your Browser Safer With This Handy Guide!

Make your browser more secure by following these easy tips.

Computers & Internet

How to Avoid Data Loss With Smarter Backup Strategies

The 7 Backup Mistakes That Leave Your Files Vulnerable

Here’s what most people get wrong about backups.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Never Overdraft at the Gas Station Again

Let us catch you up to speed - learn what a credit or debit card hold is, how it puts you at risk of overdraft, and how to avoid it.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

How to Ensure Your Home Isn't Vulnerable to Burglars

How to Make Sure Your Home Isn't Vulnerable to Burglars

Did you know that close to 4 million homes will be broken into this year? This guide will help ensure that yours is not one of them!

Art

"Hit the Road Jack" Performed by Full Orchestra and Choir

2:55

I Bet You've Never Heard "Hit the Road Jack" Like This!

Get ready to hear a timeless classic like never before. In this stunning symphonic reimagining of "Hit the Road Jack".

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

A Room-by-Room Checklist to Prevent Falls at Home

Walk through your home, room by room, with this checklist in hand, and quietly remove the dangers before they find you. Here is exactly what to look for and what to do about it.

Send Comment

Related Topics: security, important information, thieves, credit card, ATM

Quizzes

General Knowledge Quiz

Whether you are a scholar of the arts or a devotee of the lab, this quiz demands both precision and intuition. Good luck!

What Do You Know About the Crusades?

How much of this remarkable era has stayed with you? Sharpen your memory, summon your inner historian, and see how well you can navigate one of the most fascinating chapters of the medieval world.

Cold-Environment Animal Trivia Quiz

This 12-question challenge will test your knowledge of the frozen wild. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and let's see if you have what it takes to survive the cold!