top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Cashpoint ‘shoulder surfing’ gang arrested in France

They are accused of watching over victims’ shoulders as they type in their PIN numbers, before stealing bankcards and using them to withdraw money

The group is accused of getting too close to shoppers as they put their PIN codes in when paying, and then stealing their card to use it to withdraw and steal cash Pic: Ground Picture / Shutterstock

A gang has been accused of stealing more than €153,000 after peering over victims’ shoulders and watching them type in PIN codes at cashpoint machines.

The suspects -- three women and a man from Bosnia -- were arrested on February 26 in Brive-la-Gaillarde (Corrèze), and are now in police custody in Quimper, Brittany, reports FranceInfo.

They are set to appear before the court on April 7 in connection with the alleged crimes, which took place in France and across several other European countries. 

The practice has been dubbed ‘shoulder surfing’. Criminals watch the PIN codes being entered, steal the bankcards and then use them to withdraw money. 

Suspicion spread after 35 people reported similar incidents, including 19 in Brittany, and 16 in the Grand Ouest region. All said they had had their card stolen after doing a supermarket shop. 

Related articles

Bank fraud and other scams on rise in France: What to watch out for

France scam alert: Warning over credit card PIN code thefts

New kind of bank card fraud hits car park payments in France 

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France