Security Advisory: ATM Card Skimmer

ATM skimming incidents have been surfacing intermittently across the globe in the recent months. Given the threats posed by such incidents, OCBC Bank advises our customers to be on alert. We would also like to assure our customers that OCBC Bank ATMs are checked regularly to ensure maximum security for our customers while they perform transactions at our ATMs.

To help you, here are some frequently asked questions and tips you should note:

How is the stolen information being used?

What should you do?

Examples of card skimming devices.

Friendly tips to observe

1. What is ATM skimming?
ATM skimming occurs when an ATM card skimming device is placed over the card insert slot on an ATM. This device is used to collect details from the magnetic strip of debit and credit cards used at that ATM. In addition to the skimming device, a small camera could also be attached above the ATM keypad to capture a customer's PIN details as they are entered.

Back to top

2. How is the stolen information being used?
Once a skimmer captures the information found in your card, it can be used in a variety of ways.

Sale of Personal Information. Skimmers will sell your information to other criminals who will use your information to commit identity theft or other crimes of fraud.

Credit Card Fraud. Credit cards are a popular choice amongst criminals. This is because fraudulently obtained credit card information can easily used to purchase products and services online and the unsuspecting victim may only know of the fraudulent weeks later, giving the culprits plenty of time to run up bills.

To produce counterfeit cards. Criminals can also use the illegally obtained card information to produce counterfeit cards. These cards are then used to fraudulently gain access to the cardholder's account and access their monies.

Back to top

3. What should you do?
Look out for any unusual fixtures attached to, or around the ATM card slot or keypad. If you notice anything unusual or suspect that the ATM has been tampered with, or it just doesn't look right, DO NOT USE it. Please call the OCBC Bank Customer Service Officers at 1800 363 3333 to clarify immediately.

Back to top

4. Examples of card skimming devices

Example 1
Original machine	Machine with card skimming device
Example 2
Original machine	Machine with card skimming device
Example 3
Original machine and brochure rack	Brochure rack with hidden camera

Back to top

5. Security tips customers should observe

Do not choose a PIN that others can easily guess (e.g. birth date or telephone number).

Do not use sequential numbers (e.g. 1,2,3,4,5,6..)

Do memorize your PIN and do not write it down.

Do not share your PIN with another person because it is the same as giving that individual authority to use your name in a transaction.

Do not reveal your password to anyone. It should not be disclosed even if requested by an authorised OCBC Bank Officer.

Do change your PIN frequently.

Do always ensure that no one else is looking whilst you are entering your PIN.

Back to top