Le Chic Geek
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A reader passed this article onto me regarding hacked ATMs in Cancun. Â At first, I glanced at the article and thought to myself, “well, a lot of ATMs get ‘hacked’ with those devices people attach to the outside of them,” but then realized how systemic it is in Cancun as I read it.
Usually, when an ATM is compromised, someone is placing a device over the card reader.  Once you know what to look for, you can be savvy and avoid them.
In Cancun, the ATM technicians are in on the scam. Â So rather than putting the skimmer on the outside, it is literally built into the device.
Krebs on Security did a study and found compromised ATMs in places we usually consider safe–such as the lobby in a Marriott.
So how do you protect yourself?
One way you can is to use a debit account that does not have much money in it. Â Preferably one you can easily transfer money to. Â But also make sure that debit account is set to not let you overdraw and is set to decline instead.
Another way is to get a loadable card you can use at ATMs that isn’t actually attached to your bank.
For me, I try to use credit whenever possible to avoid having to use the ATM.
I also recommend setting up a Mint.com account and checking your accounts frequently–especially when traveling.
thank you
I use a separate account that doesn’t have much money in it, and I also change the PIN after I use it.