Travel Safety Ecuador

September 23, 2009

BEWARE OF BANK CARD CLONING EQUIPMENT AT ATM MACHINES 

There have been no recent reports of cloning of bank cards at ATM machines in Ecuador. However, you need to be alert in Ecuador as it has been reported previously. Earlier this week, two Colombians were arrested in Chile for placing a cloning device at ATMS in Santiago, Chile. The criminals install a device on the ATM and makes it difficult to notice any difference in the real machine. While making your transaction the covert machine makes a copy of the information and a micro camera records your pin number. They retrieve the equipment and then with the information, clone a card and then start withdrawing cash. The two Colombians are in Chile illegally and affected hundreds of cards.

• If anything about the machine looks unusual or modified- don't use it - check to see if the light is flashing where you insert your card.
• If you see a hole puncture on the top right or left corner of the ATM, it may be a camera to detect your pin number.
• Always shield your pin when you enter it on the keypad. This will make it impossible for the crooks to use your card for obtaining cash without the pin number.
• Make a regular check of your account online to confirm all transactions - always keep your receipts.

  (TRAVEL SAFETY ECUADOR)