Card-skimming attacks on automated teller machines remain a significant threat in most European countries, according to a report from the European ATM Security Team.
Fraudsters are increasingly using popular skimming techniques, such as an all-in-one skimming device placed over an ATM's card-entry slot to read the information off a card's magnetic stripe. The device uses a miniature camera to capture PINs entered on the ATM's PIN pad.
Card-entry slot skimmers also are becoming more popular with criminals, according to the report.
The trade group studied data from 17 countries in its report, which was released July 19. It found that the majority of skimming losses occur are occurring in countries that have not implemented the EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications, or in areas where the EMV conversion is not complete. EMV is the chip-and-PIN fraud-prevention standard for smart cards.
The organization estimates that 366,707 ATMs in Europe were compliant with the EMV standard as of Dec. 31. That figure represents 94% of the machines in Europe.
Criminal groups in Bulgaria and Romania continue to create havoc in several countries, the report said, and the Bulgarian groups are the most disruptive.
