0
0
A quick stop at the ATM usually feels routine: insert card, enter PIN, take cash, walk away. But consumer protection experts warn that this everyday habit hides a surprising security risk. Under certain circumstances, your ATM session may remain active even after you’ve removed your card and collected your money — a vulnerability criminals can exploit within seconds.
Authorities and banking experts now advise pressing one specific button before leaving the machine: the Cancel button.
Why the Cancel Button Matters
On some ATMs — especially older, poorly maintained, or rarely serviced machines — the transaction does not automatically end once the cash is dispensed.
If the session remains open, fraudsters could:
- Enter new commands on the still-active screen
- Access stored data from your previous steps
- Manipulate the machine to trigger additional transactions
According to reports from infranken.de and warnings from the Police of North Rhine-Westphalia, this risk increases abroad, at isolated ATMs, or at machines with long idle times.
Pressing “Cancel” Ends the Session Manually
The Abbruch/Cancel button forces the ATM to close your session immediately.
It’s a simple step that dramatically reduces the chance of unauthorized access.
General ATM Safety Warnings
Police and banks continue to warn about skimming, hidden cameras, and manipulated card slots. The Sparkasse highlights typical signs of tampering:
- Loose or unusually thick keypads
- Strange attachments on the card slot
- Glue residue or mismatched colors
- Small holes that could hide cameras
If anything looks suspicious, choose a different ATM.
How to Withdraw Cash Safely: Your Checklist
Use this quick guide to protect yourself every time you visit an ATM.
- Press “Cancel” —
Do this before walking away, even if the machine seems finished. - Cover your PIN —
Shield the keypad with your hand, body, or clothing to block cameras or prying eyes. - Inspect the machine —
Check for loose parts, unusual attachments, or anything that looks modified. - Choose safe locations —
Prefer ATMs inside bank branches, malls, or monitored areas. - Monitor your account —
Regularly check online banking and report suspicious activity immediately.
A single press of the Cancel button can prevent criminals from exploiting an open ATM session. It’s a small habit with big protective power — especially when using older or unfamiliar machines.
- source: wmn.de/picture: pixabay.com
This post has already been read 2 times!
