ATM Swapping

ATM swapping is a distraction theft where scammers cause confusion at a cash machine. While pretending to “help,” they swap your real card with a fake one. Since they have often already seen your PIN, they later use your card to empty your account.

💳 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀

💳 Targeting distracted ATM users
🧢 One person offers “help” while another swaps the card
📹 PIN is spied by shoulder surfing or pressure
💰 Stolen card is used to withdraw or spend funds

🚨 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀

🙋 Unsolicited “help” at the ATM
👣 Someone crowding your space while you type
⚠️ ATM behaving oddly or “keeping” your card
➡️ Being asked to move to another machine

🛡️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳

✋ Cover the keypad every time you enter a PIN
🏦 Use ATMs in secure, well lit branches
🚫 Refuse random assistance from strangers
📞 Call your bank immediately if your card is lost or swapped
📲 Set up alerts and check transactions often

🕵️‍♀️ 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁𝘀

👀 Shoulder surfing – Thieves watch PINs or passwords as you type and use them later.
🥤 Spill and help ruse – A staged accident like spilling a drink while an accomplice steals.
🎭 Street pickpocket teams – One creates commotion while another takes wallets or phones.
👮 Fake police or officials – Impostors distract with “document checks” while taking cash or valuables.
🎟️ Event or ticket ruses – Fake sellers create confusion in queues or crowds and lift belongings.
👜 Bag snatch distractions – A staged conversation or bump keeps your attention while your bag or purse is taken.
🪄 Magician or performer tricks – Street acts that draw crowds and attention while accomplices work pockets.

Awareness is what breaks these tricks. Every distraction theft relies on you looking the other way for just a moment. Stay alert in public spaces, trust your instincts when something feels off, and keep your focus where your money and belongings are.