Image via YouTube

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling, especially when you’re taking out cash at the ATM.

A recent video uploaded to YouTube highlights the risks that may very well lurk at cash machines worldwide and offers at least one way you might be able to spot any danger.

The following video comes by way of Ben Tedesco who was out enjoying the sights in Vienna when he states he happened upon an ATM that looked a little odd.

Sure enough, the cash machine was fitted with what Tedesco identifies as a skimmer – a device that scans magnetic strips for information. What’s amazing is how seamless this nefarious gadget fits onto the actual card reader.

Tedesco is getting grief in the comments section for not going to the police. However, he has updated the post: “I have since notified the Vienna Police Department regarding this discovery as at the time of the incident I did not have access to an international phone by which I could report this.”

Tedesco, who claims to work for a cyber security company, points out how you can spot something like this with the various glue residue around the edging of the reader.

Many bring up the possibility that the video may be a marketing scheme. In any case, it’s a nice reminder to be wary of your surroundings, especially when it comes to your own personal security.

PC Magazine recently offered some tips on how to skirt such criminal attempts. Essentially, the publication urges you to take a close look for anything that looks out of place, take care to hide your fingers when you punch in your numbers and encourages you to grab, wiggle and pull on ATM parts.

As noted, these are well-built machines that should not have anything that comes off easily.

Now don’t be terrified. Because with common sense practices and a watchful eye on your belongings you should come back home with your privacy well intact.

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