Police have received multiple reports of criminals tampering with ATMs to trap customers’ bank cards. The scammer then approaches, pretending to help, and asks the victim to re-enter their PIN to “unlock” the card. While this doesn’t release the card, it lets the criminal steal the PIN by observing the entry or tampering with the keypad.
Once the customer leaves the ATM, the perpetrators retrieve the card and use the PIN to withdraw money from the account.
Police urge the public to always shield the keypad when entering their PIN. If a card gets stuck in an ATM, never re-enter your PIN or share it with anyone, even someone offering to help.
If a card is retained by an ATM, it should be blocked immediately by calling Worldline’s hotline (00352 49 10 10) or via the banking app.
Police also stress that anyone who becomes a victim of fraud or notices suspicious activity should contact the police immediately.
