Con artist tricks people out of a quarter of a million Swiss francs at cash machines

A con artist from France has brazenly tricked people out of around CHF 250’000 in Switzerland in the last five and a half years. He used the same scam each time: he looked for a suitable victim near cash machines.

02.03.2018 – While this person was entering their PIN at the cash machine, he spoke to them and distracted them, while watching the victim enter their PIN. He covered the card slot with his hand or an object, pressed the Cancel button and pocketed the card. He then told the victim that the cash machine was faulty and the card had been retained in the machine. After that, he used the stolen card to withdraw money.

Read the article here.

Cash machines in Switzerland are generally extremely secure. They are very rarely interfered with in this country. However, if a con artist finds out your PIN and takes your card, they will have unlimited access to your account.

With this in mind: be careful with your card every time you use it and always use common sense. Take your gut feelings seriously and think about the following when withdrawing money:

• Conceal your PIN when you are entering it and protect your privacy.
• Do not let anyone look over your shoulder or distract you while you are withdrawing money.
• Do not let anyone try to help you at a cash machine.
• If your card is unexpectedly retained by the cash machine, have the card blocked immediately and always contact your bank.