How to spot genuine cash machines: How to avoid being scammed when withdrawing cash

Contents:

• Where can you find a reliable cash machine?

• Who operates the cash machine?

• You should take these warning signs seriously

• Safety around cash machines

• Conclusion: Withdrawing cash with peace of mind

Where can you find a reliable cash machine?

You need cash and there are several cash machines to choose from. Which one should you use? When abroad, the nearest cash machine isn’t always the best choice. The location also plays an important role in your safety.

Here’s what you should look out for when choosing:

• Opt for bank branches: ATMs located directly next to or inside a bank branch are often a good choice. If you encounter any problems, you’ll also have a direct point of contact during opening hours.

• Choose clearly visible locations: Make sure the surroundings are well lit. ATMs in busy shopping centres or other well-monitored areas are often a good alternative.

• Avoid secluded spots: If an ATM is situated in a dark side street or in a spot that’s hard to see, it’s better to look for another one in a well-lit, busy location.

Our tip: Many banks list the locations of their cash machines on their website or in their app. This means you can find a suitable cash machine before your next outing or stroll through town, rather than having to spend ages searching whilst you’re out and about.

Who operates the cash machine?

In the heart of the old town, you’ll come across a cash machine that isn’t linked to any bank branch. Is that a reason to be wary? Not necessarily. As well as banks, independent companies also operate cash machines. These aren’t automatically any less secure, but they may differ in terms of fees and conditions.

How to check the operator:

• Identifying the operator: Look out for the operator’s name or logo. If there’s no clear identification, it’s difficult to assess how reputable they are.

• Checking unknown providers: Does the name mean nothing to you? Search online for the operator’s official website. There you’ll often find information about the company, its locations and its customer service.

• Check fees in advance: Look out for any additional fees displayed by the ATM before the cash is dispensed. Only confirm the cash withdrawal if you fully understand the costs involved.

Good to know: When abroad, in addition to the usual cash withdrawal fees, there may be extra costs charged by the ATM operator or arising from currency conversion. If the ATM offers a choice between the local currency and Swiss francs, choose the local currency where possible. You can find further tips in our article “Cash withdrawals: 5 tips to avoid unnecessary fees”.

You should take these warning signs seriously

Even a cash machine in a trustworthy location may have been tampered with by fraudsters. You should therefore check whether anything looks unusual about the machine before inserting your card.

You should look out for the following signs:

• Card slot: Does it look loose, crooked or as though it has been tampered with?

• Keypad: Does it protrude unusually far or look conspicuously thick?

• Housing: Do you notice different colours, traces of adhesive or loose covers?

• Stickers: Do any unusual messages or QR codes ask you to enter personal details?

Such alterations may be a sign of skimming. This is where fraudsters attempt to steal card details and PINs at cash machines in order to misuse them later. You can find out more about this scam in our article ‘Spotting skimming: how to protect your card’.

You should also be aware of these scams:

• Card trapping: Fraudsters ensure that your card gets stuck in the machine so that they can steal it later.

• Cash trapping: A tampered cash dispenser tray holds the notes back so that fraudsters can steal them later.

What should you do if you suspect something is wrong? Do not continue to use the machine and do not try to remove any suspicious parts yourself. Notify the operator via their official contact channels. If you have already used the machine, contact your card provider, arrange for your card to be blocked as a precaution and check your transaction history.

Safety around cash machines

You’re standing at an ATM and want to withdraw cash. But someone is standing uncomfortably close to you or suddenly strikes up a conversation. It’s not just the ATM itself, but situations like these that deserve your attention.

Here’s what you should bear in mind when withdrawing cash:

• Insist on keeping a safe distance: Is someone standing directly behind you or watching you suspiciously? It’s best to wait until you’re undisturbed, and cover your PIN as you enter it.

• Don’t let yourself be distracted: If someone offers you unsolicited help or tries to engage you in conversation, do not accept their assistance and keep an eye on your card.

• Put your cash away discreetly: Put your money and card away as soon as possible after the withdrawal. You should not count large sums openly right in front of the cash machine.

It can quickly get hectic in busy places. Therefore, take your time and do not let people waiting behind you put you under pressure.

Conclusion: Withdrawing cash with peace of mind

It’s easy to find a cash machine. Whether you should use it is often decided at first glance. Pay attention to the location, the operator and anything that looks out of the ordinary about the machine. And if something seems a bit odd? It’s better to look for another cash machine. That way, you can withdraw cash whilst on holiday without taking any unnecessary risks.