ATM theft has continued to be a major issue across the United States, and industry sources believe stolen cash is being used for drugs, human trafficking, and even terrorist financing. FCTI, a leading nationwide ATM solutions provider, is working overtime to combat ATM crime. FCTI has taken major steps to help reduce all forms of ATM crime and put the criminals responsible behind bars. Some of these measures include the constant deployment of new security features on the ATM and surrounds for ATMs that block attack angles for physical attacks. The above image shows an actual ATM attack on August 15th, 2024, using a hydraulic spreader properly used by the fire and rescue community to save victims trapped in vehicles.
Criminals are always finding new ways to attack and are searching for areas of weakness. FCTI’s security technology enables them to block or detect and respond to these attacks with precision very quickly. For example, when attacks using hydraulic spreader rescue devices started in the Baltimore area, FCTI partnered with local law enforcement to find and apprehend the criminals responsible. “FCTI actively works with the US Secret Service and FBI, as well as State and Local Law Enforcement agencies,” says John Grosheim, FCTI Director of Security. “These partnerships have led to numerous arrests and reduction in ATM Crime.”
But FCTI has gone even further to stop criminals, and has received great support from ATMIA, the leading non-profit trade association representing the entire global ATM industry, and the ATM Security Association. “FCTI’s leadership in the new ATM Criminal Activity Forum has helped identify new forms of attack and has aligned the ATM community to stop the use of hydraulic spreaders and other attacks,” says David Tente, Executive Director, ATMIA USA & Americas, and President, ATM Security Association.
Hurst Jaws of Life, Inc., a business unit of IDEX Corporation and leading manufacturer of the hydraulic rescue tools under the brand JAWS OF LIFE®, stated “We are deeply troubled that a hydraulic spreader designed, sold, and used by first responders to save thousands of lives a year has been misappropriate in a malicious way to commit these unlawful acts. We are committed to actively working with law enforcement regarding these crimes. This situation underscores the importance of Hurst’s continued development of smart technologies in our Jaws of Life tools.”
FCTI’s number one priority is the safety and protection of its customers and employees. Unfortunately, these ATM attacks are not always physical, they can happen digitally too. “FCTI is continuously innovating to create new and unique security controls which prevent ATM attacks,” says Wayne Malone, President of FCTI. If the ATM industry and law enforcement continue to work together, FCTI believes that we will see fewer attacks and the criminals responsible will be held accountable.