ATMIA and the ATM Security Association Release Position Paper on ATM Crime Sentencing

The ATM Industry Association and the ATM Security Association today published a joint new industry position paper calling for stronger sentences across the globe for convicted ATM criminal and fraudsters.

The two international associations are sending a clear message to justice systems and regulators around the world, namely, that ATM crimes, whether physical or more cyber-related kinds of attack, are disruptive to the consumer economy, to the financial services sector and are a threat to critical infrastructure and need to be taken much more seriously.

“In our annual fraud survey of 2019, just over 59% of respondents said they had seen a year-on-year increase in ATM fraud,” said Mike Lee, CEO of ATMIA and President of ASA. “Our industry faces a range of types of attack from criminals looking to steal card data for counterfeit cards as well as cash. Over the years, the industry has hardened targets with substantial investments in protective technologies from anti-skimming devices, banknote staining systems and surveillance cameras to encryption and fraud detection systems.”

While the ATM industry has hardened security, developed a whole library of security best practices, and forged partnerships with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, there is a need for judicial systems to ensure commensurate penalties are meted out to ATM criminals once arrested.  

And with increased use of explosives in some physical attacks, including in Europe, and with ATM crimes often being perpetrated by Organized Crime Groups (OCGs) operating across borders, there’s an urgent need now to review sentences for ATM crime in general.

“ATM networks in consumer economies across the world should be viewed as part of a country’s fundamental infrastructure and sentences for ATM crimes should be seen in this light as highly disruptive to the economy and to the daily lives of citizens,” Lee added. “It is vital to maintain access to financial services for all demographic groups in society, including lower economic strata, while, at the same time, ensuring that consumers can carry out their financial transactions without undue fear of fraud."

Click here to view the position paper on ATM Crime Sentencing. 

For more information, contact Mike Lee at [email protected].

About the ATM Security Association for Enhanced Technology -- The ATM Security Association for Enhanced Technology is a non-profit association dedicated to improving ATM security. Its aim is to compile information on recognized and potential attack scenarios on ATMs and share that information with specific industry groups to rapidly develop and implement counter-measures at a global level. The main purpose of the ATM Security Association is to create a global network throughout the ATM provider chain enhancing security including all involved parties like Global ATM manufacturers, Suppliers, Financial Institutions, Service Providers and IADs. One of the primary goals of the ATM Security Association is the creation of security standards focused on the deployers’ self-service channel. The focus of the association will be on both hardware and software-related threats, physical and logical attacks. The target is to consider the total environment of the ATM that can have a direct impact on secure usage and operations. For more information, please visit atmsecurityassociation.com.

About ATMIA -- ATMIA is the leading non-profit trade association representing the entire global ATM industry. ATMIA serves more than 11,000 members from over 650 participating companies in over 70 countries spanning the whole ATM ecosphere, including financial institutions, independent ATM deployers, equipment manufacturers, processors and a plethora of ATM service and value-added solution providers. ATMIA provides education, advocacy and connections to help its members keep abreast of industry news and developments; increase knowledge and professionalism; improve operational efficiencies; understand and influence regulatory processes; participate in the local, regional and global ATM community; and forge new relationships to advance their businesses. Founded in 1997, ATMIA has active chapters in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Asia, Africa, India and the Middle East focusing on the unique needs and issues of each region. For more information, please visit atmia.com.