what happened last Saturday
I just want to share a "kisah benar" story today that made my blood pressure went up on Saturday. Of all people, I didn't think I would be one of those people who experience the don't turn away from withdrawing your money at ATM machine to talk to stranger scenario because you might be conned!. It was 15mins before my schedule myteksi taxi ride is due and I realize I didn't have enough cash on me to pay.
ATM Scams using high tech & distraction methods
Instead of Maybank, I opted to withdraw my money from Hong Leong Bank which was closer. While waiting for the ATM machine to dispense my cash, suddenly an Indian lady next to me asked for help. She was showing me her ATM card number and NRIC number, asking me to help withdraw money for her. I was caught off guard for a moment, how weird is it that she doesn't know how to withdraw her money from ATM card. She even told me her pin number is her NRIC number! A man came up from behind and offered to help her phew! I turn back at my ATM machine and my money and ATM card is nowhere to be seen!
Now at this point I am already panicking. Where is my money?! Where is my ATM card? Why did I turn my back away from the machine?! How on earth did the machine process n close in a few seconds while eating my card? Or maybe when I turn my back away, someone came in, took my money and card away in a flash? I bet you'll panic too!
What's worst is I didn't have any other ATM cards and no cash to pay the taxi driver coming in less than 10mins now. I panicked and the man who came in to help the Indian lady turns out to be a HLB staff (off duty) and he listened to me gasping for air and logic.
I frantically explained to him what happened and ask him if I could get my ATM card out now? I needed the money else I won't be able to go Langkawi let alone reach the airport. The whole story seems "off" to him I am sure. Why would someone come to withdraw cash at HLB using Maybank card when Maybank is just down the road. How did cash and ATM card disappear too in a matter of seconds. Sounds like I am the one conning him.
Thankfully this man kesian me and borrow me money for the taxi fare. He didn't even ask for my details (I gave it to him anyway). He handed me his name card and I promise to come back on Monday to pay him back and also retrieve my ATM card from the machine. He also took photographs of the ATM machine that I was using.
While technology has allowed criminals to remotely steal your debit card details many fraudsters still use more low-tech methods of stealing your money. So while not strictly a sign that an ATM has been compromised you need to be extra vigilant if anyone is loitering nearby. Distraction scams work by drawing your attention while using the cash machine in order to snatch your card or cash without you realising. A fraudster may accidentallydrop something at your feet or bump into you in a seemingly innocent fashion while you are at the ATM terminal and use the distraction to their advantage. Source: 4 ATM Scams You Need To Know.
The moral of this story is, never turn your back away from the atm machine when you're withdrawing money. The stories of people getting conned from unsuspecting strangers asking for help may just be a distraction method in ATM Scams. Thankfully, I didn't get conned because my money is still in my account and I have blocked my atm card while on the way to the airport.
I would like to thank the HLB man and HLB for having such awesome employees around who offered help in times of need. I would not have gone to Langkawi if not for him. Thanks Carlos Chan, the HLB employee who walk in on a Saturday to help me :)