European ATM Security Team on fraud losses

European ATM Security Team (EAST) has published its first European Fraud Update for 2013. This is based on country crime updates given by representatives of 21 countries in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), and 2 non-SEPA countries.

ATM related fraud losses continue to migrate away from EMV Chip liability shift areas. From January to December 2012 such losses were reported in 54 countries and territories outside of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and in 17 countries within SEPA.

The USA remains the top location for such losses, followed by the Dominican Republic, Brazil and Mexico. The usage of regional card blocking (card issuers blocking payment cards for usage outside of designated EMV Chip liability shift areas) continues to spread, with 10 countries now reporting some form of geo-blocking.

Cash trapping incidents were reported by 18 countries, with significant increases being reported by three of them. Usage of the cash claw for cash trapping is spreading and this device is also being used to assist with transaction reversal fraud.

Ram raids and ATM burglary were reported by 9 countries. 7 countries reported explosive gas attacks, and this form of attack appears to be increasing across Europe.