I've Been Skimmed
During the last few weeks I've been reading a lot in the Dutch newspapers about how PIN machines in shops are being tampered with by criminals to enable them to collect card and PIN information. It's the latest version of PIN fraud which started with cash machines being fitted with fake card slots and hidden cameras that registered the PIN code you tapped in. Reading about it in the paper is one thing. Discovering that someone in London (I was in Amsterdam) has withdrawn over €1600 out of your account this weekend is another.
My heart racing, I rang the ABN AMRO to tell them to block my card. It wasn't really neccessary anymore as the thieves had already plundered my account as far as my credit would go: - € 1395.
Well, I needn't really worry as the bank is going to refund every penny, but it's still a shock. I had to go to my bank just now to request a new card. The bank associate rang the debit card fraud department. When she told them that the money had been withdrawn from cash machines in London, they asked if I had happened to have been in New York this year. Yes I had!. It turns out that there's been a spate of complaints at the bank recently by people suffering the same fate: money withdrawn in London, skimmed at a cash machine in New York. How international 
According to my bank statements, I only used that card once in New York to withdraw cash and it was from an ATM at 90 Fifth Avenue (on the corner of West 14th Street) as shown in the picture below. I can't make out the name of the bank. Perhaps one of my American friends recognizes the logo?
I feel cash becoming a retro, cool method of payment again
October 18th, 2007 - 19:16
No I don’t recognize the bank. So glad ABN gave you back your money.
October 18th, 2007 - 20:23
You were making a cash withdrawal I assume when you got skimmed? So cash really isn’t the solution for this…
I like how Dutch banks now put images of the card slot into the ATM’s software so you can check if it looks right. I’m very weary of skimmers, but it’s great that banks refund the money.
October 18th, 2007 - 20:29
You’re right, I was withdrawing cash and I don’t see myself going to the bank once a week old-fashioned style to withdraw cash for the whole week. Would I keep it under my matress?
I have never understood the picture of the card slot that Dutch banks have on the ATMs. Isn’t it easy for the skimmers to replicate it anyway? I’m thinking voice-recognition or iris scans next.
Fingerprint ID-ing would be too easy to skim as well, I imagine. Especially as it now seems that covering your PIN code is not enough – they set up the machines to register what you type, not just hidden cameras anymore.
October 18th, 2007 - 20:33
And how coincidental… just after writing this entry I watched an episode of the Sopranos which contained a storyline about credit card skimming.
And, Lil Sis, the ABNAMRO hasn’t given me back my money YET. But apparently they will.
October 18th, 2007 - 21:13
hi suzanna,
That’s horrid. the bank is the commerce bank at the corner of 14th and 5th ave.
October 18th, 2007 - 21:35
Commerce Bank!!! Wow, I thought it was going to be some crappy deli ATM. I’m shocked.
Well, last year i had my number stolen while trying to donate to some Darfur cause online. I was so bitter! Try to do the right thing and you get ripped off. But the banks know right away and generally give you the money back. I guess all those $1.50 withdrawal fees over the years are being put to good use!
October 18th, 2007 - 21:44
Skimmers, scammers and spammers… I don’t like ‘em…
October 18th, 2007 - 21:55
Well, have to keep my eyes open then.
But you don’t want the iris scan / fingerprint stuff. More intrusion on your freedom. Suppose if they manage to scan those…
(paco)
October 18th, 2007 - 21:57
True. My dilemma is that I’m a stickler for gadgets and digital technology, yet also appreciate my privacy and want to safeguard it as much as possible. The two just don’t seem to go together.
October 18th, 2007 - 22:05
Suz,
(ik ga het in Nederlands schrijven want het wordt een lang verhaal)
Wij zijn na de zomervakantie ook geskimd, maar voor ons is het nog steeds is niet duidelijk waar het is gebeurt. De ING bank wil ons daar geen informatie over geven. Klaarblijkelijk is het onderwerp skimmen toch een gevoelig onderwerp bij de bank.
Wat dat betreft is de dienstverlening van de ING beroerd, ze beloven van alles maar kunnen niks waar maken omdat ze allemaal wachten op een accoord van hun meerdere. het lijkt de gemeente wel! (en ik kan het weten haha…).
Maar goed, bij ons duurde het iets meer dan een maand voordat we ons geld terug kregen. Het geld was in Thailand opgenomen.
De politie vertelde ons dat het nieuwste gadget in boevenland is; een bluetooth matje. Dit wordt een heel dun laagje (wat je dus niet voelt) boven de toetsen. En dan is er binnen een paar meter, bij de automaat, een zendertje aanwezig die de gegevens naar een computer stuurt. De gegevens gaan dan vaak naar het naar buitenland toe waar ze je bankrekening leegtrekken. Bijzonder detail is dat je die bluetooth matjes voor nog geen €200/300,- op internet kunt kopen.
Overigens is er niks mee om 1x per week geld te halen hoor, very oldfashion maar erg overzichtelijk voor je budget haha…