Looters Target ATMs Across the US

As we have seen a spike in mass gatherings across the US, ATMs have become the target of looters in multiple large cities around the US.

David Tente, ATMIA Executive Director - USA, Canada, and Americas, stated:

Unfortunately, many of those establishments are small businesses that were already hurting from the pandemic and now may not be covered by insurance for this type of loss. Although we have not yet received any hard data on the extent of ATM and cash losses, it definitely adds to the challenges now facing our industry. (ATM Marketplace)

Protecting ATM Terminals from Looting

In an effort to protect your established ATMs in the market from physical break-ins, adhere to these tactics.

  • Bolt your machines down

    • This simple step can make it more difficult for attackers to remove the machine from its location.

  • Reinforce or fill visible seams

    • Many attackers will gain access to the mainboard through the seam on the side of the case or from the top of the case.

  • Place an internal barrier between the case and critical electrical components

    • With this extra deterrent in place, criminals who are able to crack the outside of the machine may still struggle to gain access to the cash held within.

For new fleets, review our information on how to protect ATM terminals from physical break-ins.

Finally, you can purchase ATM insurance for your fleet.  Since it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely protect your machine from physical or technological attacks, ATM insurance offers a solution to provide an additional layer of protection for your investment.