ATM cash trapping attacks surge in Europe

According to data just published by the European ATM Security Team (EAST) there has been a surge in cash trapping activity during the first six months of 2011 - 6,797 incidents were reported, compared to just under 150 during the first six months of 2010.  That is a staggering increase.  What is cash trapping and why is this happening?

To steal cash criminals install a trap at the ATM's cash dispenser shutter so that when a cardholder makes a cash withdrawal, the transaction is completed as normal, but the cash does not appear. It remains hidden, retained by the trap which is removed by the criminals after the card holder has left the ATM.  Why is this happening?

How to protect your PIN.....by being creative!

It is the responsibility of an EMV Cardholder (someone holding a Chip enabled card) to protect their PIN when entering it into an ATM, or at any payment terminal.  Best industry advice is to shield it whenever entering it into a device, thereby preventing visual compromise.  Sometimes this is not easy.........and you have to be creative in how you do it.  EURO Kartensysteme in Germany has produced the short amusing video below, which illustrates this point.  If you don't read German the text says:

At the Supermarket checkout.......................my PIN remains secret



For more cardholder security tips, and to watch seized criminal video footage of ATM PIN compromise, visit the website of the European ATM Security Team (EAST).