Card skimming is something that happens everywhere, and unfortunately is something that happens in Bali too. Whilst on holiday, it's too easy to let your guard down and have a "it wouldn't happen to me" attitude but the truth is, it could very easily happen to anyone. The ATM machines in Bali may look slightly different than they do at home, but they operate the same way so having a quick check of the machine to make sure it's safe to use is very easily done in just a matter of seconds. Here are 5 quick and easy tips that could help you avoid having your card skimmed:
1. Colour
Have a look at the colour of the machine and the colour of where you insert your card. Are they the same? Most card skimmers use the same skimming machine for many ATM's so they may be a completely different colour and style than the ATM itself.
2. Easily removable parts
Card skimmers need to be able to quickly and easily remove the skimming machine to avoid detection, so the machines are designed to be easily removed from the ATM's for a quick getaway. Before you insert your card, give the part a bit of a tug. If a skimmer is attached, it should come off easily.
Skimmers have recently begun using overlays on the keypad where you type in your pin. They're quite rare as they are more time consuming to put on and take off. Have a feel of the keypad. Is it soft or hard? ATM keypads are hard like metal or plastic. An overlay would feel softer than this and will cause the keypad to be thicker than usual. Once again, give it a few little tugs to check.
3. Video cameras
It's very common for ATM's to have video surveillance for security reasons. What would set a skimmer's camera apart is that it would be aimed directly at the keypad. They generally would be hidden on the side of the ATM, near pamphlets or posters on the walls or in the recess above the keypad. Take a second to run your hands along the sides and and top of the ATM to feel for any camera's. Have a quick look as well; pinholes or different colours on the ATM could indicate a hidden camera underneath.
4. Cover your PIN
Even if you don't notice any camera's, take the extra precaution of covering your hand as you type in your PIN. Even if your card information is skimmed, it will be useless without your PIN code. An easy trick is to pretend to press another number before pressing the real one. This will make it much much harder for skimmers to guess your combination. For example, if your PIN number was 1234, pretend to press other numbers so it instead looks like you're typing in something like 61253748. How many possible PIN combinations is that?!
5. Trust your instincts
If you generally stick to the same branch ATM's so you're familiar with how they look and something looks different, check the machine thoroughly before you use it. If your gut is telling you something is up, it's better to be safe and not use it.
It's better to be safe then sorry, especially when you're in another country so when you're going to use an ATM overseas, take a minute and follow these steps to make sure it's safe.
Anna's note: This information is not my own, but was given to me by a Counter Terrorism graduate.
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