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Over the years there have been reports of skimming devices found on ATMs in Bali. This isn’t a unique problem to Bali. Unfortunately, there are crooks trying to steal your hard-earned money all over the world. However, you don’t have to be a victim in Bali. We will show you how to spot an unsafe ATM and check for ATM skimmers anywhere in the world.
Many reports of skimming devices have come from various ATMs in the Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud areas of Bali. Of course, that covers most of the tourist areas in south Bali. However, rest assured that there are many safe ATM’s to use. More than likely you will not encounter any problem while using the ATM’s to withdraw money in Bali.
We will show you how to potentially identify any unsafe ATMs that have been tampered with. In addition, I’ll show you a cool “hack” to try and identify a skimmer from your cell phone without even using an ATM.
How to Spot ATM Skimmers
In order to steal your money, crooks need to obtain the information that the magnetic strip on the back of your debit, or credit card contains. In addition, they need the PIN you use when withdrawing money. They do this by means of a skimming device that reads your magnetic strip information as well as micro cameras to record you entering your PIN.
So how do you spot a compromised ATM? First, if it looks shady, or you get that “this looks weird” feeling, trust your gut. There indeed is probably something strange going on.
Follow these steps below to make sure an ATM hasn’t been compromised and is unsafe to use.
1. Check to make sure the card reader is securely attached to the ATM. Go ahead, give it a good “wiggle”. ATMs have been found with an additional card reader that in fact is “skimming” your card. This would definitely qualify as an unsafe ATM to use.
2. Look for hidden cameras. If there is a brochure box, look to see if anything is installed in it. Also, if the ATM contains a device, above the keypad, it may have a hidden camera inside.
3. If the “Audio Jack” is offset and out of alignment this could be an indication the ATM has been tampered with and may be unsafe to use.
4. Check for false keypads. Thieves may use false keypads to capture your PIN. If the keypad feels loose, or the keys feel too soft, it may be a fake overlay.
5. Check for ATM cash traps. Does the metal door that dispenses cash look too big? It could be a devise that will trap your cash that thieves will come later to retrieve. If you do not see a slot just wide enough for your cash to dispense you probably do not want to use it.
6. Does the receipt slot have any cracks in it? If so, this could be a sign of ATM tampering.
TIP: Many of the ATMs in Bali will have a few people waiting outside to use them. It doesn’t mean they are waiting there to steal your money. However, be aware of your surroundings.
Be Smart When Using the ATM
Be smart when using the ATM. If everything checks out, make sure you still do the following:
- Cover your hand when entering your PIN.
- Immediately, take your cash and put it into your pocket, or bag, before leaving the ATM. You don’t want people outside, who may be waiting to use the ATM, to see how much cash you have.
- Put your card back in your wallet, or bag
TIP: Wear your purse, or shoulder bag, cross-body. Don’t just wear on your shoulder. This prevents people from running, or riding, by and grabbing your bag.
How to Check for Skimmers Using Your Phone
After skimming unsuspecting victims, a thief needs to download this data. Very rarely will they do this by walking up to the ATM and detaching their device to retrieve an SD card. Instead they do so by downloading this data, wirelessly, by means of Bluetooth. Which means they can do it from a distance, and no one will ever know.
However, a Bluetooth device will broadcast that it is active. So, if you know what to look for you may be able to identify a compromised ATM that is unsafe to use.
These Bluetooth modules are easy to purchase and are very inexpensive. They are often the same units that your kid can use to build his school project. However, within the software, they often all use the same device name. The device name that is often broadcast is HC-05, or HC-06. The thieves using these devices usually do not change the device name.
You can read this article, and this detailed blog for more information. They pertain to gas pump skimmers, but the concept with any skimmer is the same.
Phone Bluetooth Hack to Check for Skimmers
Unfortunately, checking for skimmers isn’t foolproof. I haven’t found any good apps that can accurately do this. However, you can “manually” check for potential skimmers. By taking a few extra seconds before using the ATM, to check for anything that may seem strange, can help minimize risk and potentially prevent you from being a victim of fraud.
Since we know these Bluetooth devices broadcast a device name, you can use your phone’s Bluetooth to try and detect this. These kinds of Bluetooth devices are not normally going to have a strong transmitter. This means in order to check for a skimming device you will have to be within 30 feet (10 meters) of the ATM.
- Turn on your Bluetooth setting on your Android on Apple iPhone.
- Within your phone’s Bluetooth settings check for any new “Devices”.
- If a device appears with the “HC” prefix avoid that ATM, as there may be a skimmer present.
When you visit Bali, you may notice an “Oppo” device, or someone’s name will appear in your Bluetooth “Devices”. Most ATMs are near other businesses and you could be picking up a store device, or another person’s phone. This “hack”, to check for skimmers, isn’t foolproof, though. Someone could have changed the Bluetooth module name to something more familiar. However, in Bali, this is probably unlikely.
What to Do Before Using the ATM
Knowing you can now potentially check for skimming devices with your cell phone, you can take a couple steps before using the ATM, to help ensure you are not another fraud victim. This is what I do every time I use the ATM.
- Turn on my Bluetooth and check for any strange device names.
- Log into my Capital One 360 account and enter my secondary security measure in order to access my account and “Unlock” my debit card.
- Withdraw money from the ATM.
- Immediately go back into my Capital One app and “Lock” my card before signing out of the app.
You can read this article on “How to Use ATMs in Bali” and “The Best Debit Cards to Use in Bali” for more information.
To do all of these steps takes me an extra minute, but I would rather do this than have my money stolen.
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