Introduction

What is glue and tap fraud?
Glue and tap fraud is a scam where criminals sabotage an ATM by filling the card reader slot with glue, forcing the victim to use the “tap” feature. After the victim completes their transaction, they might forget to select the “finished” option on the screen, leaving their session open. This oversight allows the criminal to withdraw money from the victim’s account.

The Problem

How is it different than other forms of fraud? Why is it a growing cause for concern?
Glue and tap fraud stands out from other types of fraud primarily because it is a sophisticated form of social engineering. Unlike traditional fraud, which often relies on technology or brute force to exploit vulnerabilities, this method manipulates human behavior. Criminals involved in glue and tap fraud usually pose as helpful bystanders. They might approach the victim under the guise of helping when the card reader appears to be malfunctioning. By doing so, they subtly encourage the victim to use the “tap” function, making the victim believe that it is the only viable option to complete their transaction.

This type of fraud is particularly concerning because it preys on the trust and helpfulness of individuals, making it more difficult for victims to recognize the scam. Additionally, as more ATMs and payment terminals adopt contactless technology, the potential for this kind of fraud is increasing. The growing prevalence of this scheme makes it a significant threat, as it combines both psychological manipulation and technical interference, leading to substantial financial losses for unsuspecting victims.

Furthermore, the reliance on human interaction in this fraud makes it harder to detect and prevent through conventional security measures, thus posing a growing challenge for banks and financial institutions to protect their customers.

The Solution

What steps can I take to protect my machine and cardholders?
To combat this type of ATM social engineering attack, it is essential to educate your cardholders on recognizing and reporting any suspicious behavior near your ATMs. Awareness is a key defense in preventing these scams.

Beyond cardholder education, Cook Solutions Group offers a range of security solutions designed to protect ATMs from such attacks. Our integrated, layered approach combines AI surveillance, transaction validation and screen recording, creating a robust defense against both physical and digital threats. Learn more about how we can help by visiting www.cooksolutionsgroup.com.