Everything seems to be digital these days — even the scams.
The news is filled with stories of identity theft, data breaches, and new, sophisticated phishing techniques on a near-daily basis.
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So when Jonathan Hogue from Plano, Texas, went to get some cash from the ATM, the last thing he expected was that he'd be a victim of a pre-digital, brick-and-mortar scam.
It just really made me angry that I got stolen from," Hogue told ABC News in Dallas [1]. "It's just an example of somebody out there not caring about other people.
Hogue was a victim of a crude form of financial crime known as "cash-trapping."
It's a wake-up call for all Americans: despite the digital-first world we live in, scammers aren't giving up on tried-and-true in-person stealing.
ATM scheme plan cost him hundreds of dollars
Hogue went to withdraw money from a Bank of America ATM on Preston Road in Plano on July 20. But after he inserted his card and followed the instructions on the machine, he never got his cash.
Yes, he could hear the whir of the machinery working, but the money never came out.
He tried a second time to make the withdrawal before he left the ATM in frustration. Altogether, he had $700 out of pocket.
Hogue was later encouraged by his boss to file a police report, which he did.
How cash-trapping works
The Plano police arrested Ionut Aurel Iova, a Romanian national with a long criminal record, as the suspected perpetrator.
Police allege that Iova Iova had attached a device to the ATM's money dispenser, blocking cash from reaching Hogue's hands.
The devices [fit] perfectly over the dispenser mechanism of the ATM," said Det. Jerry Minton of the Plano police department. "It is attached by double-sided tape or a similar substance, and it has a special tool that is handmade by the perpetrator to remove the device.
I'm ecstatic he was caught," said Hogue. "This guy does not deserve to be walking around on the streets.
According to officers, Iova staked out the ATM, hoping to quickly pocket the stolen money.
He was waiting for the victims to leave," said Minton. "Then he would come in behind them, take the device off, remove the cash and either put the device back on or walk away.
Iova has an extensive criminal record, according to police, including previous arrests in Plano and Lewisville, Texas, and is wanted in Maryland, Hungary and Canada, where he has a total of 56 outstanding warrants [2].
Another Plano victim, Ray McCormick, lost $100 to the scheme.
The cash didn't come out," he told NBC 5 Dallas. "I was bewildered and surprised as well.
Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
How can you protect yourself
Cash-trapping is similar to, but different from, two other popular ATM scams: skimming and shimming.
These schemes involve a device installed over (or into) the card reading slot to capture data from the victim's card's magnetic stripe and chip.
In general, to avoid ATM scams like the one Jonathan Hogue encountered in Plano, follow the S.A.F.E. protocol.
- Select ATMs located in well-lit, high-traffic areas and avoid machines with graffiti, dirt or grime.
- Always shield your PIN while entering and inspect the ATM for loose parts near the card reader or skimmers. Alert store security or personnel if you see something suspicious.
- Focus on your surroundings and avoid accepting assistance from strangers.
- Enable transaction alerts to stay notified of all transactions made on your card, and ensure your card is in your possession at all times [3].
Remember: if you see something - say something. Inform the store or bank staff, or contact your local police department, to report the incident.
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Article sources
At newsrealtime, we consider it our responsibility to produce accurate and trustworthy content that people can rely on to inform their financial decisions. We rely on vetted sources such as government data, financial records and expert interviews, and highlight credible third-party reporting when appropriate.
We are committed to transparency and accountability, correcting errors openly and adhering to the best practices of the journalism industry. For more details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines .
[1]. WFAA Dallas North Texas man loses money to cash trapping scheme
[2]. 5 NBC DFW . "ATM 'cash trapping' fraud in Plano leads to arrest of international fugitive"
[3]. The Statement . "Don't fall victim to ATM fraud"
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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