The ATM Warning Sign That Could Mean Someone Tampered With the Machine

Loose card readers, unusual keypads, and mismatched components can be signs of ATM tampering.

Inspect the machine before inserting your card.

Miljan Zivkovic/Shutterstock You insert your debit card into an ATM, but something about the machine doesn’t look right.

Maybe the card reader sits at an unusual angle, the keypad feels thicker than normal, or there’s a small piece of plastic that doesn’t match the rest of the machine.

Those details deserve attention because criminals sometimes attach devices that steal card information and personal identification numbers.

The FBI identifies loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched card readers as potential signs of ATM tampering.

Recognizing the difference between ordinary wear and suspicious modifications could help protect your bank account.

The Card Reader Looks Loose or Crooked One of the most recognizable signs of ATM tampering is a card reader that appears poorly attached.

Criminals sometimes place skimming devices over legitimate readers to capture information from payment cards.

These attachments can resemble the machine’s original equipment, making them difficult to identify at first glance.

The FBI advises consumers to inspect card readers for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or unusual before inserting a card.

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