MN Sheriff Warns Of Potential Holiday Malware Scam At ATMs

During the most 'wonderful time of the year,' those who want what you have are working extra hard. A Minnesota Sheriff's Office posted to social media this week, warning residents that this is the time of year they start to hear about scams involving ATMs.

No Matter The Date On The Calendar, Scams Are Always 'In Season'

There is no 'offseason' for scammers. The sea of potential victims is full, and it only takes finding one victim to keep scammers motivated to hook the next one. Recently, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office posted about a scam involving ATMs.

Holiday Safety Reminder: While you’re out spreading Christmas cheer, please keep an eye out for anyone lingering around ATM machines. We’ve received reports of unknown Grinches installing malware on ATMs to trick the machines into dispensing cash. If something looks suspicious, trust your instincts and report it right away by dialing 911.

According to the post, the Sheriff's Office has taken reports of 'Grinches' installing malware on ATMs to clean the machine out.

How It Works & Ways You Can Stay Safe

According to New Jersey's Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, the use of malware to clean out all the cash inside an ATM is called 'Jackpotting'. The criminal, who may be dressed as a service technician, usually has to physically install the malware on the ATM by opening the top of the machine and inserting the code through a thumb drive or CD-ROM.

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Once the malware code has been installed, the criminal can come back after the machine has been loaded up with fresh cash, and then 'withdraw' at will.

Now, the use of malware on the ATM can also capture your PIN and bank card information as well, so how can you stay safe?

The first thing you can do is report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement and the bank, if the ATM is owned by one. The next thing you can do is take notice of the machine when you go to use it. If something seems off or a cover looks loose, don't use it.

In this case, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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