Withdrawing money could become risky if you are not careful: the slightest strange signal could mean that they are trying to scam you. How to know?
In Colombia, the scam methods around ATMs seem to be reinvented from time to time. And although many are already known, the switch, the fraudulent reader, the false call of ‘bank security’, today another practice is beginning to worry the authorities: the ‘ticket technique’a silent and fast way of stealing that takes advantage of the user’s vulnerability at the exact moment they withdraw money.
This modality It has already been reported in several cities of the country and has set off alarms, because it combines distraction, psychological manipulation and criminal precision. The most serious the thing isIt can even occur in ATMs located inside shopping centers or apparently safe areas.
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How does the ticket technique work?
The dynamic is simple, but extremely effective.
The criminal stands near the ATM, analyzing the people who are waiting or withdrawing money.
Choose a victim, usually someone alone or who appears distracted, and wait for the exact moment in which the cashier expels the bills.
When the money is going out, the scammer throw a bill on the groundusually a high denomination one.
Immediately, he draws attention: “You dropped a bill!” or “A bill is coming out from under the ATM.”
The victim looks away for just a few seconds and that is the moment that the criminal takes advantage of to take part or all of the money. Sometimes they act in pairs: one distracts and another steals.
When the person looks back at the cashier, the money is no longer there, and since the machine does not respond for bills already dispensed, the loss is immediate.
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How to protect yourself?
- Never look away from the cashier when you are dispensing money.
- Ignore any strangers who try to talk to you during the transaction.
- Keep distance from strangers; If someone gets too close, cancel the transaction.
- Withdraw and save money quickly before addressing any distractions.
- Avoid lonely ATMs or during slow-moving hours.
If you withdraw money frequently, be alert. This modality is happening now in the country and has already left significant losses to citizens who were victims in the blink of an eye.
