16 Insane ATM Scams That You Wouldn't Even Notice

It's common sense that using an ATM requires a certain degree of caution, but if you think getting mugged at the machine is all you have to look out for, you're in for a shock. ATM scams are getting more creative by the day, and you need to know how they work and what you can do to protect yourself against these money scams.

Just because a machine looks normal at first glance, it doesn't mean it hasn't been used for scamming money. ATM skimmers, cash traps, and system hacks are all becoming commonplace in the dark world of fraud, and most of the time, they're fully concealed inside the ATM.

While there's little you can do once the scamming device is already installed, you can dodge it by sticking to ATMs from banks you trust, covering your PIN from possible hidden cameras, and setting up transaction alerts on your bank account so you can easily intercept any suspicious activity. If you do become a victim of fraud, it goes without saying that issuing a scammer alert to your bank and canceling your card is a must-do.

Check out the most insane ATM scamming examples below, and don't worry about being a little paranoid next time you use one - it's your money you're dealing with, after all.