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Older ATMs Targeted by Thieves
Fuel retailers with ATMs that are five years old or more are being targeted by thieves using a factory pre-set PIN number and stolen ATM cards to steal cash from the machine, Oil Express reported today.

A Kansas truckstop was recently targeted by thieves using a factory-set PIN code to access the ATM menu. Swiping a stolen credit card three times, the thieves were able to steal all of the cash in the machine.

According to Oil Express, ATM vendors first learned of the scam four or five years ago, and newer machines are now programmed to force the operator to change the factory-set PIN before the ATM goes into service. ATM vendors have developed a free software fix to protect older ATMs. Fuel retailers should contact their equipment distributor or processor to get the software installed as soon as possible.

ATM vendors believe that a service technician or ex-employee who knows the factory code is behind the Kansas theft.

The scam is similar to a recent string of fuel thefts involving dispensers where thieves used factory-default PINs to reset pumps and dispense fuel -- costing truckstops and other retailers thousands of dollars.