Consumer Corner
Cash Trapping: How to Protect Yourself from This Sneaky ATM Scam
Cash trapping is a growing ATM scam where criminals block cash from dispensing and steal it later. Learn how to spot a cash trap, protect yourself with simple safety steps, and what to do if you’re a victim
Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff
ATMs make accessing your cash fast and convenient—but they can also be a target for criminals. One of the more common, yet often overlooked, ATM scams is cash trapping. Knowing how it works, how to spot it, and what to do if it happens can save you both money and stress.
What is Cash Trapping?
Cash trapping is a type of ATM fraud where a criminal prevents your cash from being dispensed, then later collects it themselves. Unlike card skimming, which steals card information, cash trapping targets the physical cash in the machine.
Criminals attach a small device or flap to the ATM’s cash slot. When you attempt to withdraw money, the ATM thinks the transaction was completed, but the cash is “trapped” inside the device. Later, the criminal retrieves the money, leaving you empty-handed.
How to Spot a Cash Trap
Before using an ATM, it’s important to inspect the machine carefully:
Look for unusual attachments around the cash dispenser or card slot. Wiggle the cash slot and card reader gently—a loose part could indicate tampering. Check for sticky residue, scratches, or glue marks that may suggest someone has attached a device. Be observant of your surroundings. Suspicious people loitering near an ATM may indicate a higher risk.
Safe ATM Practices
Following these tips can drastically reduce your risk:
Use secure, well-lit ATMs inside banks, stores, or high-traffic areas. Shield your PIN with your hand or body when entering it. Inspect the ATM carefully before inserting your card. Confirm your cash before leaving. If the machine doesn’t dispense it, cancel the transaction. Report any problems immediately to your bank.
What to Do If You’re a Victim
If cash trapping happens to you, act quickly:
Contact your bank immediately, giving details of the transaction: ATM location, time, and amount. Provide receipts or confirmation slips if available. The bank will usually review ATM logs and security footage to confirm the issue. Once confirmed, banks typically refund the trapped cash, sometimes within a few days.
💡 Pro Tip: Always monitor your account after using an ATM, and report any unusual activity promptly.
Cash trapping may seem rare, but it’s more common than most people realize. By staying vigilant and following a few simple safety steps, you can protect yourself and your money. Always trust your instincts—if something seems off at an ATM, walk away and find another machine.
Related links
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Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Rod Washington
(Family Features) If you’ve ever found yourself buying a holiday gift for someone on your list at the last minute, you’re not alone. According to a Walgreens U.S. gift-giving survey, 83% of Americans found themselves getting a gift for someone at the last minute – a trend even more common among Gen Z (90%) and parents (92%). To help keep things merry and bright, consider these tips to help with the last-minute holiday hustle, and visit Walgreens.com or a store near you to find deals and gift inspiration.
SOURCE:
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Automotive
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
Set yourself up for safe winter driving with these essential tips: switch to winter tires, check air pressure, protect off-season wheels, and maintain tread depth. Learn how to prepare your car for snow and ice so you can drive with confidence all season.
Set Yourself Up for Safe Winter Driving
(Family Features) Waiting for the first snow or ice storm to hit puts you and your tires behind the curve when it comes time to get behind the wheel. Preparing your vehicle and brushing up on smart winter driving tips helps ensure you arrive at your destination safely, no matter the weather. Consider Winter Tires When temperatures drop below 45 F, winter tires maintain flexibility and road grip, contrary to all-season tires that don’t perform as well in these conditions. Winter tires are designed for better traction and stopping power in ice, slush and snow. Change Out Seasonal Wheels and Rims Swapping summer or all-season tires for winter ones will ensure your vehicle has the best traction possible, but that’s just part of the story. Slippery, wet and icy roads mean vehicles tend to skid and lose control, striking curbs and other objects that scratch, dent and scuff. Snow and winter wheels are a smart way to protect summer rims from snow, ice and road-clearing chemicals like salt. Protect Offseason Tires It’s important to protect your offseason tires from below freezing temperatures, sunlight, moisture and other harsh weather conditions. Consider Discount Tire’s Tire Hotel service, available at select locations, where stores help preserve the condition of tires, handling tire rotations, inspections and maintenance when it’s time to change the winter tires back. Maintain Target Air Pressure The impact changing temperatures have on your tire pressure can create numerous issues, including poor handling, worse gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Prevent problems by checking your air pressure at least once a month when your tires are cool and before any long trip. For every 10 F in ambient temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 PSI (pound per square inch). That means you need to check your tires more frequently as temperatures fluctuate and settle into lower winter levels. Check Tread Depth Regularly Your vehicle’s tread depth plays a vital role in traction, which can affect your safety while driving in winter conditions. To ensure you have ample tread, stick a penny upside-down in a tread groove. It’s time to replace if Lincoln’s head is visible. You can also visit your local Discount Tire store for a free tire safety check. Practice Good Tire Maintenance Taking care of your tires ensures you get the longest life and best wear. Most experts recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 miles. Knowing the age of your tires, which can be found by looking at the DOT number stamped on their sidewalls, is important since tire rubber becomes harder and more brittle as it ages, increasing the risk of failure. Choose Tires Wisely Selecting the tires that are best suited for where you drive, how you drive and what you drive helps protect you and your passengers, ensuring your vehicle is prepared for winter weather. When shopping, consider using an online tire guide like Treadwell, which provides personalized recommendations on the best tires for your driving needs. Find the tool online at DiscountTire.com/Treadwell. Photo courtesy of ShutterstockThe Legacy of the Datsun 510: How a Game-Changing Car Helped Nissan Conquer the US MarketLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-legacy-of-the-datsun-510-how-a-game-changing-car-helped-nissan-conquer-the-us-market/
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Blog
Glad and Oscar the Grouch Team Up for a Trashy, Toe-Tapping Campaign
Glad teams up with Oscar the Grouch for a playful revival of the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, featuring a musical number, limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bags, and a fresh take on making trash day fun for all ages.
Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
A Classic Campaign Gets a Grouchy Remix
Why Oscar? Why Now?
Nostalgia Meets New Audiences
Limited-Edition Oscar Goodies and Where to Find Them
Where to Watch
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- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
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- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
Bringing the Campaign Home: Phoenix Community Clean-Up
- “Phoenix, let’s get grouchy about litter and Glad about clean streets! Join our community clean-up and share your photos with #GladToCleanPHX.”
- “Spotted: Oscar the Grouch in Phoenix! Grab your Glad bags, clean up your neighborhood, and tag #OscarLovesTrash for a chance to be featured.”
- “Spring cleaning in Phoenix just got a lot more fun—thanks to Glad and Oscar! Who’s joining our next clean-up day? #GladToCleanPHX”
About the Brands
- Glad Products Company
- Sesame Workshop
- PRNewswire
- Press release via Glad, Dec 2, 2025 (based on IRI data, last 52 weeks ending 10/26/2025)
High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
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