Beware of skimming devices at ATMs, QCB warns bank customers

Look out for small, out-of-place attachments around the card slot.

Published: 21 July 2024

NT Bureau

DOHA: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has warned bank customers against skimming devices which are increasingly being used by cyber attackers to commit financial fraud and steal money from bank accounts.

In a social media post, QCB explained in detail what is a skimming device and the steps that can be taken by every bank customer to prevent skimming.

The following is the post from QCB:

What is a skimming device?

It’s an illegally installed device on ATMs, POS machines, and other card machines.
Skimming devices capture card data and record any entered PINs.
Cyber attackers install skimming devices to commit financial fraud.

Steps to prevent skimming:

Use ATMs inside bank branches whenever possible, as they are less likely to be tampered with.

Wiggle the card reader to check if it’s loose or out of place.

Look out for small, out-of-place attachments around the card slot.

Block the keypad with your other hand when entering a PIN to prevent hidden cameras.

Watch out for lingering individuals around ATM machines.

The QCB has said that for cybercrime reports, contact the Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department: Hotline: 6681 5757, Metrash2 app, Email: cccc@moi.gov.qa