San Francisco ATM Scammers Deploy Sneaky Glue Tactic for Cash Theft

A usual errand like withdrawing money from the ATM machine has currently become a minefield. A new tactic of ATM scams, targeting the “tap feature,” is sparking concerns.

There have been reports of accounts being mysteriously emptied in San Francisco, revealing theft that left victims asking, “How can I protect my finances from ATM scams?”

An unusual ATM scam occurs in the heart of San Francisco’s busy Mission District. Creative scammers have formulated a new technique.

Using technology and glue, they can now extract money from unsuspecting victims, as ABC7 news reported. They just pour glue into the ATM’s card reader, disable it then suggest customers to use the “tap” function instead.

A 7 On Your Side story revealed a new kind of ATM scam — thieves using glue and the ATM "tap" feature were draining victims' bank accounts. It happened to several Chase bank customers in San Francisco — but the bank denied their claims. https://t.co/W7oh7sLZGE pic.twitter.com/2CpW6tL0Kq

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) May 5, 2023

Once the customers have activated the tap, it is the thieves’ chance to steal. One of the victims, Pamela Bongiorno, clearly remembers her experience at the ATM.

She narrated, “I inserted my card. It didn’t work.” Then came a helpful stranger advising her to tap her card. She got her funds and then left, only to learn later that her account was nearly $1,000 less.

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Like Bongiorno’s experience, Stephany Barry, Justin Singular, and Rob Bell have the same story. All of them had resulted in using the tap feature, and they were left with missing amounts of money on their accounts afterward.

Understanding the Mechanics of the ATM Scams

During the investigation, officials discovered that the glue-infused card reader was only part of the sneaky scheme.

The “tap” function at ATMs leaves the transaction window still active after cash withdrawals. This makes it still usable if left unclosed.

The victims were well unaware of how this works. They just leave and walk away, opening the door for thieves to process more withdrawals.

Chase Banks has urged customers to check the closure of their transactions before leaving. Customers should wait for the screen’s prompt, “Do you want to do something else?”

When this appears, customers should select “No.” Despite the increasing ATM scam cases since last fall, Chase had dismissed all the victims’ claims. The bank argues that they have all authorized these transactions.

However, after several appeals, Chase has finally refunded all victims mentioned in this report. The bank assured them it is creating more steps to ensure their clients’ security.

News broke out about the repeated ATM scams in San Francisco, and victims like Barry have followed the bank’s advice. He never used the ‘tap to pay’ function.

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How can I protect my finances from ATM scams?

To protect your bank accounts from ATM scams, the key is to be vigilant and follow the best practices when using ATMs. Here are some of the steps you can take to secure your finances:

1. Inspect the ATM: Always inspect the ATM before use. If the card reader looks loose or altered, do not use it. A card slot with glue is an instant red flag in’ glue and tap’ fraud cases.
2. Use well-maintained and familiar ATMs: Try touseAim machines that have enough lighting and are located on busy streets. If possible, choose the ones that you are familiar with.
3. Be vigilant of strangers: Be wary of strangers trying to offer help, especially if they suggest using the “tap” function once the card reader malfunctions. They could be scammers trying to take advantage of the active transaction window.
4. Secure your pin code: Cover the keypad with your hand when keying in your code. This protects you from hidden cameras or shoulder-lookers trying to steal your pin.
5. Shut down your transaction properly: Once done, close the session appropriately. Wait for the prompt asking if you need to do another transaction. Select ’No’ after the question.
6. Regularly check your account: Monitor your financial statements and online accounts for unauthorized transactions.
7. Report any suspicious activity: Once you notice something unusual at an ATM, including possible tampering or a suspicious stranger, report it to your local law enforcers or the bank.

Don’t be a victim of this ATM scams. Be vigilant and protect your hard-earned cash. Remember, knowledge is your best ally against fraud.