(The following information is from the authors experience and from various internet sources)

We gringos residing here in Mexico are somewhat unique.  We as a group tend to depend on ATM machines more than other perhaps, because we have to use them to obtain the money we use to live on. It should come as no surprise therefore that because we use ATM’s a lot that we have become tempting targets for the thieves that want to separate us from our cash. 

With more than 1.5 million ATM machines around the world, most of us simply take our ATM cards for granted. Unfortunately, thieves know this, and use it to their advantage, making ATM thefts and scam a big problem.

As ATM technology has become more sophisticated so too have the thieves. They have become so sophisticated in way they commit their crimes that you may not even see them coming. The good news is that there are easy ways to protect yourself from ATM thefts and scams. Here is a common question about ATM machines that I have heard asked repeatedly:

Q: Does entering your PIN number in reverse really summon the police?

A: Unfortunately, the answer is NO. A hoax email has been circulating for some time now that offers this as and option if you are robbed while withdrawing money at the ATM. The concept seems like a good idea, and in fact a system was designed by a Chicago businessman that would notify the police (lending this hoax a grain of truth), however, no such system has been implemented by any bank that I am aware of. This technology not been implemented simply because of his high cost. Beside I don’t think it would work. Imagine trying to remember you PIN number backwards with a gun pointed at your head. My advice is to simply ignore any emails that offer this advice.

Now let's look at some common ATM Scams that are out there relieving people of their hard earned money.

The Lebanese Loop: Thieves first use a device to capture your card. The device, which in most cases, is a simple piece of X-Ray film glued in the card slot of ATM which grabs your card when you unwittingly place your card into the machine and enter your PIN.

When the machine fails to give you money or return your card the common reaction is believe that your card was captured by the bank for some reason. The way the scammers use the Lebanese Loop can vary, but most often, once your card is trapped, a "Good Samaritan" will show up and offer advice on how to get your card back.

They may suggest that you enter your PIN number a couple of times, or they might also offer to hold the cancel button while you enter your PIN. What they're really doing is memorizing your PIN number. Never let anyone you don’t know assist you at the ATM

Card Skimming: Skimmers are devices added to an ATM machine to capture the information from your cards magnetic strip. This information is usually sent wirelessly to a computer in the thief’s possession. They obtain your account number, and PIN number then clone your card.

These devices are often mounted over top of the machine card slot and are very difficult to notice unless you're looking for them. You may also find card skimmers mounted beside the normal ATM card slot with a sign that says, "Slide card here first."  A skimmers can actually collect and store the information of up to 200 ATM cards before they need to be removed by thieves.

Shoulder Surfing -  Fake PIN Pads -Fake Machines: Shoulder surfing occurs when a person stands next to you at the ATM and can observe as you enter your PIN.

Thieves have been known to install a fake key pad or even a fake machine just to get your ATM card or PIN number. Once they have these they can run up enormous charges in a matter of minutes. There have even been cases of small cameras being installed that point at the key pad. In every case the idea is to get your card or PIN number.

Tips to Protect You from ATM Theft:

1. Get in the habit of using the same ATM machine for your transactions. Become familiar with it and be able to recognize changes to the machine.
2. Use ATM machines inside banks rather than on the street (where they're easier for thieves to access).
3. If you're visiting an unfamiliar ATM machine that is not inside a bank, examine it carefully for Card or cash trapping devices which need to be glued or taped to the card reader or cash dispenser. Look for 'extra' cameras beyond the basic and generally obvious ATM security camera.
4. Never rely on the help of strangers to retrieve a confiscated card.
5. Never use an ATM machine when other people are lingering.
6. Report confiscated cards immediately. If you can, don't leave the machine. Instead call the bank from the ATM where your card was taken using a cell phone.
7. Don't use ATM machines with extra signage or warnings posted on the machine.
8. Lastly, never ever follow a link in a supposed bank email notice. If you are wondering if your bank has really contacted you via email, close your email and directly type your bank's website address into your browser. Visit your account and look for update notices directly on your account or bank's website. These types of emails are almost always a form of scam called phishing.

Remember: Although ATM theft and scams account for only a very small portion of all ATM transaction they are a real and growing problem. Awareness is your greatest asset. Don’t blindly go about your business. You can prevent becoming a victim of this type of crime if you will simply look around and observe what is happening round you.

(James Jensen is a retried Law Enforcement Officer with over 30 years of experience. He has authored dozens of articles on Personal and Business Security and had lectured on Personal Security for a number of years)