Thieves attempted a 'cash trapping' fraud on me at a Post Office ATM......BEWARE!

useless_git_requires_wife

Note: this is a duplicate. I have posted this thread in the 'Budgeting and Bank Accounts' forum, but since it was a Post Office ATM I thought I would repost it here as I know that benefits are often collected from these machines. The device used was designed to fit only a Post Office bank machine (though the type of fraud could probably be made to work with most bank machines).



It happened yesterday.


Until now I'd never heard of 'cash trapping' in relation to ATM fraud so I'm starting this thread to increase awareness.

Here's what happened......

I went to use the machine. As usual, I checked the part where you put the card for signs of anything unusual....it all looked normal. The transaction (withdrawl of cash) all proceeded as normal....the machine counted the money, my card was returned and then it said 'please take your cash' or whatever....but it never came out .

When I looked at the point where the money is supposed to come out everything looked as normal, it was just that the silvery metallic flap hadn't risen up to spit out the money.....then the machine displays 'out of order' (it reset itself after 3 or 4 minutes and was ready to be used asgain). So at first I'm thinking hmmmm, perhaps it's because it's a bank holiday and the machine has run out of money or something. I had received a receipt from the machine however, telling me that the money had been paid out. I then examined the money 'exit flap' more closely and when I touched it I realised it had an overly plastic feel to it and that it also didn't appear to fit quite as flushly as one would expect. It was just the right colour though, and absolutely looked like it belonged to the machine until I REALLY examined it.

Long story short I called the police to explain what was going on and I stayed at the machine to stop others using it till they arrived (about 25 people came to try and use it during this period).

Later on, the police managed to remove the attachment and my money was sitting behind it. This means that the thief would have been able to simply take my money without even having to put a card in the machine.....just remove the false flap, collect the money and walk off.

So, please be very vigilant in inspecting these 'exit flaps' as well as the entrance point for your card.

p.s.....there is quite a bit more to the incident I'm not mentioning since the police are investigating and it may be best not to go into details. Suffice to say, though, that this type of crime requires the thief (or thieves) to be fairly close at hand. If this happens to you, just make sure that you call the police immediately and do as advised.

bobajob_1966

You will find that benefits are withdrawn from ATMs of all financial institutions ...

useless_git_requires_wife

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

You will find that benefits are withdrawn from ATMs of all financial institutions ...

Could I invite you to read the first paragraph of my post again?

AsknAnswer2

Thanks.

I have a link card so used to use any old machine at any old bank/building society, whichever was closest. Until I heard of card cloning. I then started only using two machines that I was familiar with - theory being that I'll be able to tell more easily if there is a device fitted. I check the card slot and I check for cameras, have a general feel. (Get some strange looks!) But never have I checked the flap that the money comes out of. Like you, never heard of cash trapping. Thanks for raising awareness, I'll be more vigilant of the money flap in future.

LadyMorticia

Thanks for the heads up. I don't use Post Office ATMs but I think I know a couple of people who do so will try and make sure they check things thoroughly.

ska_lover

Thanks for posting op

[Deleted User]

Thank you for that :-)

matronelize

Thank you for this warning. I sure will be more vigilant in future.

tazwhoever

thanks op, i always use atms in the bank not outside.

thanks again

Jemma-T

useless_git_requires_wife wrote:

So, please be very vigilant in inspecting these 'exit flaps'

I have a mirror just for that.

useless_git_requires_wife wrote:

...that this type of crime requires the thief (or thieves) to be fairly close at hand. If this happens to you, just make sure that you call the police immediately and do as advised.

I'd be careful of that. If they're that close they may decide to pounce on you and kill you (after retrieving the cash and your mobile).

Maybe best to stop using dodgy looking cash machines in dodgy looking areas. I know any machine could be affected by fraud but I still limit which ATMs I use. I have a few to choose from mind you.

KxMx

I too always check the card slot and never the flap, thanks OP!! I use an in store/bank ATM wherever possible but can't always.