How ATM Fraudsters Target You and Simple Ways to Protect Your Bank Account

It was a typical day when Hector was on his way to meet friends when he stopped at an ATM to withdraw some cash. He inserted his card, but unfortunately it got stuck. He tried pulling it out, but it would not budge. As he wondered what to do, a man approached him.

“Are you okay?”

“My card is stuck,” Hector replied.

“Don’t worry. This ATM does this all the time. Let me help you.”

The stranger stepped forward and showed Hector how to wiggle the card. It eventually went further into the machine. A few moments later, the card came out and Hector completed his withdrawal.

Grateful for the help, Hector chatted with the stranger before heading to meet his friends. The next morning, Hector woke up to several SMS alerts showing large cash withdrawals from his account. He immediately contacted his bank to block his card.

Then he realised something was wrong. The card in his wallet was not the one he had used at the ATM. It was an old, expired card from the same bank. The stranger had distracted Hector, swapped his card and observed his PIN.

ATMs provide convenient access to your money, but they can also be targeted by fraudsters looking to steal card details and PINs.

How ATM card fraudsters target you

1. Shoulder Surfing

A fraudster may position themselves close enough to see your PIN as you enter it. They may pretend to be waiting in line, checking their phone or simply passing by. Once they know your PIN, they can use it if they obtain your card.

Whenever you visit an ATM, cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN and make sure no one is watching.

2. Fake Good Samaritans

A fraudster may offer to help when your card gets stuck, the ATM appears not to be working, or you are having difficulty completing a transaction. While distracting you, they may observe your PIN, swap your card or work with an accomplice to steal it.

If you are and Equity customer and your card is retained by ATM, do not accept help from strangers. Contact the Bank immediately using the official contact centre number (0763000000) or dial 100 if you are using an Equitel line. If it is within working hours, please report to bank officials at the nearby branch.

3. Card skimming

Fraudsters can place devices over or inside an ATM’s card slot or keypad to capture card information and PINs.

Before using an ATM, look closely at the card slot and keypad. If anything appears loose, unusual or tampered with, do not use the machine. Report it to the Bank’s nearest branch or dial the official contact lines.

4. Fake payment websites

ATM fraud is not the only way criminals can steal your card information. Fraudsters also create fake websites that look like genuine government, bank or business websites.

They may send you an SMS or email demanding an urgent payment, such as a fine, or offering a discount or promotion. The link takes you to a fake website designed to capture your Equity card details and other personal information. Never rush to make a payment because a message creates a sense of urgency. Verify the request through the organisation’s official channels first.

How to protect your bank account at an ATM

These simple habits can help keep your card and PIN safe:

Use ATMs in secure, well-lit and monitored locations.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
Do not allow strangers to assist you with your transaction.
Never share your PIN with anyone.
Check the card slot and keypad for anything unusual before inserting your card.
If an ATM appears tampered with or behaves unusually, cancel the transaction and report it to the bank.
Do not allow anyone to distract you while withdrawing cash.
If the ATM retains your card, do not leave until you have reported it through an official bank channel.
Keep your ATM receipt and dispose of it securely rather than leaving it where others can see your balance or account information.

What to do if your card gets stuck? Do not accept help from a stranger. Cancel the transaction if possible and contact Equity Bank immediately through an official channel. If you suspect that someone has seen your PIN or interfered with your card, ask the bank to secure or block the card.

If your card is stolen or you notice an unauthorised transaction, report it immediately by calling Equity’s official contact centre. You can also Freeze your card or account immediately through the Equity Mobile App and USSD (*247#) to block unauthorised access.

Remember, a stranger offering help at an ATM may not be a Good Samaritan. Protect your PIN, keep your card in sight and never allow anyone to take control of your transaction.

For tips on secure banking, visit: https://equitygroupholdings.com/ke/secure-banking-tips/ #KaaChonjo