We use technology so much in our day-to-day lives that it’s easy to see how financial scams like “cash trapping” can pose a serious threat to security.

This crime,which involves deceiving customers at ATMs,has been around for a while.

Captain Lee Donovan of the Houston Police Department’s South Gessner Division offered some reassurance.

“We have not seen a rise in this activity over what is normal,”he said.“However,our South Gessner Crime Suppression Team recently made a high-profile arrest of an individual wanted out of several states and countries for cash trapping.” 

Learn about that arresthere. 

Cash trapping is just as it sounds — the intentional trapping of cash in an ATM by a criminal. 

How it works:

1. A physical device,such as a metal plate,is installed over the ATM’s cash dispenser. 
2. The customer initiates a withdrawal,and the ATM dispenses the cash,but the plate physically blocks the bills from coming out. 
3. Believing the ATM is broken,the customer leaves without their money.
4. The scammer removes the device and collects the trapped cash. 

“Most big banks have inspections daily,cameras and other security precautions.However,standalone ATMs would be an easier target for scammers and could remain undetected until it is serviced or refilled,” Donovan said.

The good news is that education and awareness can empower us all to safeguard against this scam and similar scams. 

“If a security camera watching the ATM appears to be messed with,there is a reason for that,” Donovan said. “If the part of the machine that you put your card in or retrieve cash from is suspicious looking,do not use it.” 

“Like most scams,be aware of where you are and what you are doing,” he said.

Also,report it. 

“A lot of people just think that someone would obviously know about something and move along with their day. It is important,as it is with all crime activity,to report what you see. If you see something,say something,” Donovan said.

For business owners with ATMs on the premises,Donovan suggests making visual checks a routine practice. 

“Make it a habit to check your machines daily and add security measures to protect your customers and your business from people looking to take advantage of the situation or of other people.” 

— Dorothy Puch Lillig