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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Consumer Corner
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
Planning a home remodel involves defining goals, setting a budget, gathering inspiration, planning a timeline, selecting a contractor, finalizing design choices, and preparing the home. A clear plan helps manage costs and expectations, allowing for a smoother renovation process while minimizing stress for the household.
Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
What to Know Before You Remodel Your Home
(Family Features) Planning a home remodel is as much about your vision as it is your preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you can refresh your living space, stay on budget and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Consider these steps to get the process started:
- Define your goals
Decide what you’re looking to accomplish with your remodel, whether it’s improved functionality, updated style, higher resale value or a combination. Make a simple list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” so you can prioritize upgrades if costs start to climb too high.
- Set a realistic budget
Determine how much you’re comfortable spending then add a cushion of 10-20% for additional material costs and any surprises behind walls or under floors. Get rough price ranges for materials and labor, which allows you to adjust the scope of your project before the work begins, if necessary, instead of mid-project.
- Gather ideas and inspiration
Collect photos, paint colors and product ideas in a single place, such as a digital folder or photo album on your smartphone. Pay attention to recurring themes in your inspiration – such as cabinetry, flooring and fixture styles and colors – so it’s easier to choose finishes when the time comes.
- Lay out the project timeline
Think about the best time for your household to live through construction, especially if kitchens or bathrooms will be out of commission during the renovation. Talk with potential contractors about timing for each phase so you can plan for temporary living arrangements, if necessary.
- Choose the right construction crew
Interview a variety of potential contractors, being sure to ask for references and verify licenses and insurance. Once you’ve narrowed your list, request written estimates that include labor and material costs, timelines and payment schedules so expectations are clear before choosing a service provider and signing an agreement.
- Finalize design details and materials
Make as many design decisions as possible before demolition, including choosing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tile, paint, hardware and other details. Ordering key items early can help avoid delays and keep the project on schedule once work begins.
- Prep your home and family
Before construction begins, clear areas where work will be completed of furniture and decor, covering anything that cannot be moved out of the room with plastic sheeting. So everyone knows what to expect while your home is in transition, talk with family members about the impending noise and dust, and make necessary schedule changes to avoid interrupting work.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more resources and home renovation guidance.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Consumer Corner
Clorox to Buy GOJO Industries, Maker of Purell, in $2.25B Deal
Clorox Company has announced its acquisition of GOJO Industries, known for Purell®, for $2.25 billion. This move strengthens Clorox’s health and hygiene division, expanding its market presence. The deal is expected to yield tax benefits, operational synergies, and capitalizes on Purell’s brand trust while maintaining GOJO’s operations in Ohio.
OAKLAND, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2026) — The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire GOJO Industries, the Ohio-based skin health and hygiene company best known for Purell®, in a deal valued at $2.25 billion in cash. Clorox said the transaction includes anticipated tax benefits of about $330 million, putting the net purchase price at roughly $1.92 billion.
The move expands Clorox’s health and hygiene footprint beyond surface disinfection and cleaning into skin hygiene, adding one of the most recognizable brands in hand sanitizer to its portfolio of household and professional products.
Why Clorox wants GOJO (and Purell)
Clorox framed the acquisition as a strategic fit that strengthens its Health and Wellness segment and supports its broader IGNITE strategy, which is aimed at delivering more consistent and profitable growth.
GOJO brings scale and stability: the company, founded in 1946 by Goldie and Jerry Lippman, has grown to nearly $800 million in annual sales and has delivered mid-single-digit growth, including a three-year CAGR of 5%, according to Clorox.
A key part of GOJO’s business is its entrenched presence in the professional channel. Clorox said more than 80% of GOJO revenue comes through a broad network of B2B distributors, supported by an installed base of roughly 20 million soap and sanitizer dispensers—a setup that drives recurring demand for refills and ongoing usage in workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and other institutions.
Purell, meanwhile, is positioned as the headline asset: Clorox said the brand holds the #1 share in hand sanitizer across both B2B and retail channels.
Executive perspective: “Virtually synonymous with skin hygiene”
Clorox Chair and CEO Linda Rendle emphasized Purell’s brand trust and GOJO’s innovation track record, calling the deal “a compelling acquisition” that scales what Clorox describes as its fastest-growing and most profitable segment.
“GOJO’s deep commitment to innovation and delivering superior value in skin hygiene has built Purell into one of the most trusted names in homes, healthcare facilities, schools and businesses around the world,” Rendle said, adding that the brand is “virtually synonymous with skin hygiene.”
GOJO President and CEO Carey Jaros described the announcement as “a momentous day,” pointing to shared mission alignment and the opportunity to accelerate Purell’s retail growth with Clorox’s consumer brand-building and distribution strength. She also noted GOJO will remain based in Ohio, preserving the company’s Northeast Ohio roots and legacy.
What Clorox says changes (and what doesn’t)
Clorox laid out several expected benefits:
- Portfolio expansion in health and hygiene, with a stronger presence across both consumer and institutional channels
- Exposure to “attractive category tailwinds,” where brand trust matters
- A push to accelerate Purell’s retail growth using Clorox’s retailer relationships, marketing, and distribution
- A stronger combined B2B platform, pairing GOJO’s commercial, manufacturing, R&D, and regulatory capabilities with Clorox’s scale
- Continued GOJO operations in Ohio, with integration designed to benefit customers across channels
Financial expectations: synergies, accretion, and debt financing
Clorox said the deal is expected to add a recurring revenue stream and stable earnings base, and to support its long-term 3% to 5% sales growth target.
The company also expects at least $50 million in run-rate cost synergies and said the acquisition should be:
- Neutral to adjusted EBITDA margin in year one, but accretive after synergies are realized
- Neutral to adjusted EPS in year one, and accretive in year two
Clorox plans to fund the purchase primarily through debt financing. The transaction is expected to close before the end of Clorox’s fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
What it could mean for consumers
For everyday shoppers, the most visible impact may be how aggressively Purell expands across retail shelves and product formats. Clorox is signaling it wants to apply its playbook—brand-building, consumer-led innovation, and distribution scale—to grow Purell beyond its already-dominant position.
At the same time, GOJO’s dispenser footprint and B2B relationships give Clorox a deeper, stickier presence in professional environments—places where hygiene purchasing is often recurring, contract-driven, and less volatile than consumer demand.
What’s next
Clorox said it will host a live webcast to discuss the transaction with Rendle and CFO Luc Bellet, and noted an additional analyst Q&A webcast is scheduled for Feb. 3 tied to its second-quarter financial results.
Related External Links
- PR Newswire (source distribution)
- The Clorox Company — Official Website
- Clorox Investor Relations (press releases & filings)
- GOJO Industries — Official Website
- Purell — Official Website
- SEC EDGAR (search Clorox filings: CLX)
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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video games
Basic Fun! Unveils Category-Defining Home Arcade Collection for Fall 2026
Basic Fun! is launching a new Arcade1Up home arcade collection for Fall 2026, featuring PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets, alongside the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG cabinet marking a partnership with SEGA. The lineup aims to deliver authentic arcade experiences without quarters, appealing to both nostalgic fans and new players.
Basic Fun! is hitting “start” on a new chapter for home arcade.
In a Feb. 14, 2026 announcement, the Boca Raton-based toy and consumer products company revealed its first new Arcade1Up home arcade collection since acquiring select assets of the brand in 2025. The Fall 2026 lineup is anchored by two heavy hitters: PAC-MAN (including Ms. PAC-MAN) and the first-ever SONIC THE HEDGEHOG home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says the new cabinets are built to deliver the authentic arcade feel fans expect—powered by iconic franchises, premium features, and classic arcade attitude—no quarters required.
What’s in the Fall 2026 Arcade1Up lineup
PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN cabinets
Basic Fun! is leaning into the foundation of arcade nostalgia with PAC-MAN and Ms. PAC-MAN home arcade cabinets.
The company notes it is the anchor electronics licensee for PAC-MAN home arcade products through a licensing agreement with Bandai Namco Entertainment. The new machines are positioned for both longtime fans and a new generation of players—built to honor the legacy that helped define the golden age of arcades.
Sonic makes his home arcade debut
The bigger “first” in this release: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is getting his first-ever home arcade cabinet.
Basic Fun! says Sonic’s debut comes via a multi-year partnership with SEGA, timed to the franchise’s 35th anniversary. The featured product is the Sonic Supreme Series Arcade Game, described as a premium, full-size standing cabinet built for speed, style, and nostalgia.
Basic Fun! also teased that this is the first of multiple Sonic titles planned for the collection.
What to watch for
- Arcade1Up’s next era: This is Basic Fun!’s first major statement since acquiring select Arcade1Up assets in 2025—so the build quality, features, and pricing strategy will matter.
- Sonic’s pipeline: The company is calling this the first of multiple Sonic titles. If that holds, Sonic could become a recurring pillar alongside PAC-MAN.
- Retail rollout: Basic Fun! says the collection will debut at major retailers this fall, which should make availability less of a scavenger hunt for fans.
Quote
“For many years, Arcade1Up has been at the heart of the retro arcade community, and we’re honored to build on that legacy,” said Dan Westcott, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Basic Fun!. “Our focus is simple: authentic gameplay, nostalgic design, and premium features that capture the true arcade-at-home experience for fans of all kinds. No quarters required.”
Where to see the lineup
Media, influencers, and industry partners can get a first look at the new home arcade lineup at Toy Fair®, running February 14–17 at the Javits Center in New York City.
Basic Fun! also shared booth details here: https://tfny2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=61755
About Basic Fun!
Basic Fun! is a global designer and marketer of classic and innovative entertainment products, distributed across 50,000+ retail locations and online channels through 2,500+ retailers, distributors, and family entertainment venues in 60+ countries. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with offices in the UK and Hong Kong.
For more information, visit basicfun.com.
PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Ms. PAC-MAN™ & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
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