Skip to content

Written By Regent Bank

ATM Safety: What Every Cardholder Should Know

As we head into the new year, scammers are not far behind—bringing fresh tactics designed to deceive and defraud consumers. Recently, new information has emerged showing how fraudsters are increasingly exploiting debit card usage at ATMs. Below is an overview of what we’re currently seeing and how you can protect yourself.

Man using ATM

Tap-to-Pay ATM Fraud: A Growing Risk

More consumers are tapping their debit cards at ATMs instead of inserting them. While convenient, this method has introduced a new vulnerability.

Fraudsters often linger near ATMs, watching for customers who use tap-to-pay—especially for cash withdrawals. Although most people assume their transaction is complete once cash is dispensed, some ATMs experience delays in fully closing out tap transactions.

When this happens, the account session may remain active briefly after the customer walks away. Criminals exploit this delay by stepping up to the machine and conducting additional unauthorized withdrawals or transactions. Because the session is still open, these transactions may appear legitimate.

How to Protect Yourself
  • Wait for the session to fully close. Always confirm the ATM returns to the home screen before leaving.
  • Avoid tap-to-pay at ATMs when possible. Insert or swipe your card instead.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If someone is standing too close, cancel your transaction and find another ATM.
  • Use indoor or bank-owned ATMs. These typically have better security and monitoring.
  • Enable account alerts. Real-time notifications can help you catch unauthorized activity quickly.

ATM Skimming & Shimming

ATM fraud is becoming more advanced—and more difficult to spot. Criminals use tiny devices called skimmers and shimmers to steal card information, often without any visible signs of tampering. Some devices even transmit data wirelessly using Bluetooth.

In 2025 alone, more than 280,000 debit cards were compromised by skimming. Fraudsters may also use pinhole cameras or keypad overlays to capture PINs.

How to Protect Yourself
  • Use bank-branch ATMs. These are typically checked daily for tampering.
  • Inspect the machine before use. If anything looks loose, misaligned, or unusual, trust your instincts and walk away.
  • Cover your PIN. Shield the keypad every time you enter your PIN.
  • Avoid gas station and convenience store ATMs. These are often third-party owned and less frequently monitored.
  • Turn on bank alerts. Quick notifications help you respond to fraud faster.

Our goal is awareness, not fear. By following a few simple best practices, you can reduce your risk when using ATMs. If you notice anything suspicious or have questions about ATM fraud, contact our fraud team at [email protected].

Related Articles