ATTENTION: ATM skimming device
There is no doubt that 3D printing is a versatile tool for materializing
your 3D ideas. Unfortunately, those who wish to break the law can also
try to use our technology. We recently received an order which bore a
strong resemblance to an ATM skimming device. Basically, the customer
placed a 3D print order for a device similar to the one below which is
inserted in an ATM machine.
The plastic part can be attached to an ATM machine and with the appropriate hardware and tapped keyboard can scan cards and get personal data. In most cases, such a device does not prevent the cardholder from withdrawing funds from their account, but as their card has been scanned, it can later be reproduced and funds can be stolen from their account.
Fortunately, our engineers were quick to react, and after communication with the customer, the decision was made to decline the order. We do not support criminal activity and will do everything in our power to prevent possible crimes.
The 3D model of the device was very well designed, and we would like to urge everyone to be aware and take extreme caution when dealing with ATM machines. Should your credit/debit card be compromised, immediately contact the authorities as well as your local bank.
Rest assured i.materialise as part of Materialise Group will never support and/or produce questionable devices that may cause illegal activities. We are sharing this information in an effort to inform as well as prevent a potential crime.
The plastic part can be attached to an ATM machine and with the appropriate hardware and tapped keyboard can scan cards and get personal data. In most cases, such a device does not prevent the cardholder from withdrawing funds from their account, but as their card has been scanned, it can later be reproduced and funds can be stolen from their account.
Fortunately, our engineers were quick to react, and after communication with the customer, the decision was made to decline the order. We do not support criminal activity and will do everything in our power to prevent possible crimes.
The 3D model of the device was very well designed, and we would like to urge everyone to be aware and take extreme caution when dealing with ATM machines. Should your credit/debit card be compromised, immediately contact the authorities as well as your local bank.
Rest assured i.materialise as part of Materialise Group will never support and/or produce questionable devices that may cause illegal activities. We are sharing this information in an effort to inform as well as prevent a potential crime.
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4 Comments
Alex
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 12:13 PM
The criminals are likely to know about these possibilities, the potential victims on the other hand, may not know, and that is why we decided to make this post. We hope it will help to prevent a possible crime.
Oscar Rottink
Thursday, July 01, 2010 9:55 PM
Nice post! Pretty smart thinking of the criminals to use such a technology. Good thing you guys were even smarter and published this to warn others. I wonder, did you also informed the police for this matter? Not that they can really do something before its used but makes them maybe aware of they way the criminals handle these days.
In The Netherlands skimming still is a common problem.
In The Netherlands skimming still is a common problem.
Alex
Friday, July 02, 2010 2:34 PM
@Oscar
Majority of the law enforcement authorities should be aware about these sort of devices and there was no crime committed, so there was nothing really to report. But again we want our readers to be aware of this issue, and stay safe.
Majority of the law enforcement authorities should be aware about these sort of devices and there was no crime committed, so there was nothing really to report. But again we want our readers to be aware of this issue, and stay safe.
Good to know. Thank you very much for the info!