I Just wanted to mention...

Without modifying the ATM with a video camera one can see the pin used by
the last person.
Method: Thermal imaging.
A picture of the pad would reveal both wich digits are used and even the
sequence.
Scary, huh?

Theese thermal imaging systems are sensitive enough to see the tracks from a
tank on snow long after it is gone.
Fingers on buttons are a lot easier.

Kyrre


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Rolf" <Robert.Rolf@ualberta.ca>
To: "Microcontroller discussion list - Public." <piclist@mit.edu>
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 5:50 AM
Subject: Re: [AD]: Project offer any one interested? ATM scams


> Dave VanHorn wrote:
>
> >> Well, the quality of his web pages, and the short leap from
> >> task description to possible application as a credit card skimmer
> >> didn't make me feel good either.
> >
> > You know of course, that your pin does not live on any of the three
> > tracks, right?
>
> Of course.
> But micro cameras have made it pretty easy to get a PIN
> from careless users. When was the last time you checked
> your ATM machine valence for unusual or non-standard
> coverings? Our national newsmagazine just ran a 1 hours show
> dedicated entirely to the tricks of the trade, to teach
> consumers what to be aware of. They showed how a group
> of well organized crooks outfitted an ATM in a busy
> Calgary location with a camera and faceplate card
> skimmer, in LESS THAN 30 seconds.
>
>
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1105142446966_16/?hub=WFive
>
> "In just two hours time, the gang got away with 35
> customers' card information. In just a few days they
> had collected enough information to steal nearly $650,000."
>
> What really peeves me is that much more secure systems
> than mag stripe technology exists (e.g. smartcards),
> but the banking industry isn't YET loosing enough money
> to justify the upgrade. Maybe we need to refuse to use their
> systems until they upgrade them. And TELL THEM THIS!
>
> "
> Banking experts estimate it would cost the banking system in
> Canada approximately $500-million to produce the chip
> technology (smart cards) for the debit card system while
> debit card fraud costs a mere $44-million in 2003 in comparison.
> One might think the banks have concluded it's cheaper to pay
> off the bad guys than it is to help the good guys."
>
> It's only a matter of time before your area sees the same
> criminal activity, so please be aware of anything 'unusual'
> about your ATM.
>
> Robert
>
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