ATM Looting: A Growing Concern for Businesses

ATM looting is a growing concern for businesses, with many falling victim to this type of crime. In fact, a recent study found that 63% of ATMs in the United States have been compromised at least once.

The average loss per incident can be substantial, with some businesses reporting losses of up to $10,000. This can be a significant blow to small businesses, which may not have the resources to absorb such a loss.

ATM looting often involves the use of sophisticated tools and techniques, including card skimmers and shimming devices. These devices can be difficult to detect, even for trained professionals.

Businesses can take steps to protect themselves from ATM looting, such as regularly inspecting their ATMs and monitoring their accounts for suspicious activity.

ATM looting can be caused by a variety of factors, including the use of hook and chain attacks, where thieves attach an anchor to the ATM door and try to yank it off.

Criminals may also resort to key copying, where they secure copies of the ATM top hatch keys to gain unauthorized access.

Robbery is another method used by thieves, where technicians are robbed while conducting maintenance operations on the ATMs.

Card trapping involves the installation of devices to trap debit or credit cards within the card reader, allowing criminals to retrieve sensitive information.

PIN skimming is also a common tactic, where hidden cameras or overlays on the keypad are used to capture PINs entered by unsuspecting users.

The following list outlines some of the common methods used by thieves to loot ATMs:

Germany has become Europe's prime target for ATM bombings, with over 51,000 ATMs, making it an ideal location for cross-border crime.

The country's proximity to the Netherlands, where there are only 5,000 ATMs, has led to a rise in crime from neighboring countries.

A total of 461 ATM robberies were reported in Germany in 2023, the second-highest number since surveys began in 2005.

Intriguing read: Atm Machines in Germany

The majority of these crimes took place on working weekdays, between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., when longer daylight hours provide a higher risk of being caught.

ATM robberies in Germany have been rising since 2005, with a slight decrease from 2022 to 2023.

The German government has taken steps to combat the issue, investing over 300 million euros into enhanced security measures, including alarm systems, ink staining solutions, and fogging technology.

Certain techniques, such as glueing systems to neutralize stolen cash, are not currently permitted in Germany.

Hook and Chain Attacks are a serious threat, where criminals attach an anchor to the ATM door with the other end hooked to a heavy-duty truck, attempting to yank the door off.

Card Trapping is another common method, where devices are installed to trap debit or credit cards within the card reader, allowing criminals to retrieve sensitive information.

Ram Raid Attacks are also a concern, where criminals use vehicles to ram into ATMs, attempting to dislodge the machine or gain direct access to the cash.

Malware and Network Exploitation can compromise security and access funds, as cybercriminals target the ATM's software or network, exploiting vulnerabilities.

Explosive Attacks are a drastic measure, where criminals deploy explosives to open the ATM, intending to access the cash compartment.

Deep-Insert Skimming Attacks involve various methods of card skimming to steal consumer information and commit fraud.

The following methods are also used to commit ATM theft:

ATM robbery is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities.

The convenience and accessibility of ATMs have made them a prime target for thieves, who often use sophisticated methods to steal cash and sensitive information.

One of the main factors contributing to ATM robbery is the lack of proper security measures, such as tamper-evident screws and anti-skimming devices.

This allows thieves to easily install skimming devices and cameras to capture cardholder information.

The use of weak passwords and PINs is another factor that contributes to ATM robbery, as thieves can easily guess or crack these codes to access accounts.

On a similar theme: Can Atm Be Used as Debit Card

In some cases, thieves have even used social engineering tactics to trick cardholders into revealing their PINs.

The increasing use of ATMs in isolated areas, such as parking lots and alleys, has also made them more vulnerable to robbery.

These areas often lack adequate lighting and surveillance, making it easier for thieves to operate undetected.

The rise of organized crime groups has also contributed to the increase in ATM robbery, as these groups often have the resources and expertise to carry out complex heists.

These groups often target ATMs in high-traffic areas, such as shopping centers and tourist destinations.

The group broke into stores, including a Target, Wawa, and Wells Fargo locations in the Philadelphia area, and set off explosives.

They detonated ATMs at these locations, causing serious damage and destruction.

The explosives used were M-type devices, ranging from M-80 to M-1000, which are typically hard cardboard tubes filled with explosive material and have a fuse sticking out.

These devices are not legally manufactured, sold, or imported in the United States and are classified as Illegal Explosive Devices under federal law.

The group stole around $417,000 from the ATMs they blew up.