02.09.2025 13:53
Cases of fraud using the "cash trapping" method at ATMs are on the rise. Fraudsters place sticky or obstructive materials in the cash dispensing slot to cause banknotes to get stuck, and then they take the money when the user walks away. Experts recommend checking the cash dispensing slot and reporting suspicious situations to the bank and the police.
Recently, the increase in a fraud method called "cash trapping" at ATMs has prompted experts to issue warnings again. In this method, fraudsters secretly intervene in the cash dispensing slot of ATMs to seize citizens' money.
IF THE MONEY IS STUCK, IT MAY NOT BE A SIMPLE MALFUNCTION
According to experts, the money getting stuck in the ATM when trying to withdraw it is often not due to a simple malfunction. Banknotes get jammed due to sticky or blocking devices placed in the cash exit. When users think the transaction has failed and walk away, waiting fraudsters can easily take the money.
EVEN SECURE ATMs ARE AT RISK
In a statement regarding fraud, Sparkasse Bank in Germany announced that even ATMs with advanced security systems can be manipulated using this method. A particularly noteworthy point is that in most cases, no warning message appears on the ATM screen. Therefore, users are deceived into thinking that the issue is due to a device malfunction.
TAKE THESE WARNINGS SERIOUSLY
The recommendations from Sparkasse and experts against "cash trapping" are as follows:
- Before withdrawing money, check the cash dispensing slot of the ATM and lightly probe the slot to see if there is any artificial covering.
- Do not leave the ATM during the transaction and be cautious of suspicious individuals nearby.
- If you notice any abnormalities during or after the cash withdrawal, immediately notify the bank or the police.