How to Spot an ATM Card Skimmer

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How to spot a card skimmer

Modern ATMs take themselves out of service if they detect metal on the card reader. Here’s what to look for on your ATM, and who to call if something doesn’t look right.

$7.1m
counterfeit and skimming fraud on Australian cards in FY25, up 11.6%
$854m
total fraud on Australian payment cards in FY25

The short version

  • A skimmer is a fake part fitted over or inside a card slot to copy card details. A hidden camera or fake keypad is often used to capture the PIN.
  • Modern ATMs take themselves out of service if they detect metal on the card reader.
  • Look for loose, bulky or mismatched parts, glue marks, and tiny holes that could hide a camera.
  • If you find something, don’t remove it. Stop the ATM being used, call Dash on 1300 125 592, and call the police.

What a skimmer is

A card skimmer is a device that criminals attach to an ATM to copy the data from a customer’s card. Queensland Police explain that the copied data is used to make a cloned card that works like the original.

A skimmer on its own isn’t enough. Criminals also need the PIN. To get it, they usually add a tiny camera pointed at the keypad, or a fake keypad laid over the real one.

Skimming is a small share of card fraud in Australia, but it hasn’t gone away. AusPayNet reports that counterfeit and skimming fraud on Australian cards rose 11.6% to $7.1 million in the year to June 2025. In Australia, the AFP has charged people over allegedly installing ATM skimmers and making fake bank cards.

$7.1m

Counterfeit and skimming fraud on Australian cards, FY25

11.6%

Rise in counterfeit and skimming fraud on FY24

$854m

Total fraud on Australian payment cards, FY25

How modern ATMs fight back

Modern ATMs take themselves out of service if they detect metal on the card reader. Triton, which makes the Argo ATMs Dash runs, describes an anti-skimming card reader that uses metal detection. When it finds a device on the reader, the ATM goes out of service, records the event and sends an alert. Once the device is removed, the ATM returns to service. Triton also lists magnetic jamming and encryption at the card reader as extra protection.

Every Dash ATM has an anti-skimming card reader, and when it trips, Dash is alerted straight away.

Chip and contactless cards are also much harder to copy than the magnetic stripe. Queensland Police say tap-and-go prevents skimming in most cases. Encourage customers to tap their card or phone if they can.

What to look for

Skimmers are designed to blend in, so check your ATM each day when you open. Get to know what it normally looks like. A photo on your phone helps.

  • The card slot. Is it loose, bulky, or a different colour or texture? Does it stick out more than usual? Give it a gentle wiggle. It shouldn’t move.
  • The keypad. Does it feel thick, spongy or raised? A fake keypad sits on top of the real one.
  • Tiny holes or cameras. Check the area above and beside the keypad, light bars, brochure holders and anything stuck to the ATM.
  • Glue, tape or scratches around the card slot, keypad or fascia.
  • Extra stickers or panels you haven’t seen before.
  • Card problems. Customers saying their card was hard to insert or got stuck.
  • People hanging around the ATM, or someone spending a long time at it without taking cash.

Some devices are fitted inside the card slot and are very hard to see. That’s why the ATM’s own detection matters, and why customer complaints are worth taking seriously.

If you find something

  • Don’t remove it yourself. It’s evidence, and the people who fitted it may come back for it.
  • Stop customers using the ATM. Put up a sign or block it off.
  • Call Dash support on 1300 125 592 or email support@dashatm.com.au. We’ll take the ATM out of service remotely and send a technician.
  • Call the police if you find tampering. Use the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or 000 if someone is in danger or a crime is happening now.
  • Keep your CCTV footage and note the date and time, so you can give it to police.

Customers who think their card has been skimmed should call their bank straight away.

How Dash protects your ATM

  • Anti-skimming card readers on every Dash ATM, which take the ATM out of service if they detect metal on the reader.
  • Contactless and tap-ready. Customers tap a card or phone, then enter their PIN, on a large touchscreen.
  • Managed for you: installation, cash logistics, fault alerts, reconciliation and national field service, all visible in the Dash web portal.

See the options to buy an ATM, or how we manage ATM networks.

FAQ

Should I remove a skimmer if I find one?

No. Leave it in place, stop people using the ATM, and call Dash on 1300 125 592 and the police.

Will my ATM keep working with a skimmer on it?

Modern ATMs take themselves out of service if they detect metal on the card reader. Some devices are harder to detect, so keep checking your ATM each day.

Can contactless cards be skimmed?

Queensland Police say using tap-and-go prevents skimming in most cases.

Dash ATM has built and managed ATM networks across Australia since 2012, led by founder Paul Wrigley, in the ATM industry since 2002. Keep cash local.

Sources: AusPayNet: Fraud Statistics Jul 24 to Jun 25 · Queensland Police: Credit card and EFTPOS fraud · AFP: Five foreign nationals charged with defrauding Australians · Triton anti-skimming device (ATM Marketplace) · Scamwatch

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