You slide in your card, hear the familiar whirr, and the screen flashes an odd message: “Operazione annullata. Ripeti e inserisci PIN due volte.” The logo looks a bit off, the font a little clumsy, and your card doesn’t come out when you press cancel. A couple behind you shuffle impatiently. Your palms warm, your mind races, and a small voice inside says this isn’t right. Something is wrong.
The red-flag screen that should freeze you in your tracks
Criminals have learned to fake trust with a single panel of pixels. The screens you should fear most are the ones that say your transaction failed and instruct you to “re-enter PIN,” “confirm PIN twice,” or “unlock by inserting PIN again.” They often use generic icons, mismatched colours, or a bank name that’s slightly off, plus a countdown timer to push you into obedience.
In Bologna, a commuter saw “Operazione annullata. Ripeti il PIN due volte” at 7.12 p.m., with her card mysteriously “locked.” She pressed Annulla, stepped aside, and dialled 112. Officers arrived to find a thin plastic “Lebanese loop” wedged in the slot and a pinhole camera disguised as a brochure holder. Two people before her had retyped their PINs in panic and woke up to cash gone by morning.
Here’s the logic. The trap holds your card to keep you put while the fake message asks for PIN “verification.” A hidden camera or keypad overlay records your code, the loop spits your card into a pocket of air, and a passer-by “finds” it later. **If that screen asks you to enter your PIN again, stop.** The safest move is simple: cancel, create distance, and treat the ATM as a live crime scene.
What to do in the 30 seconds that matter
Hit Annulla and keep your hand over the keypad as you do it. Don’t re-enter your PIN. Tug the card slot gently; pull on the keypad and the bezel—if anything moves, you’ve likely found an overlay. If your card is trapped, keep your position, call 112, and call your bank’s 24/7 number while you wait. **Cancel. Step back. Call 112.**
We’ve all had that moment where the ATM throws a tantrum and we just want our cash. That’s when shortcuts hurt. Let your instincts lead: a weird message, off-brand logo, sticky glue marks, a slot that rattles, or a keypad higher than usual mean walk away. And let’s be honest: nobody reads every tiny notice on a cash machine. Save your bank’s emergency line in your phone so your fingers know where to go.
Police and banks repeat it for a reason: the second PIN request is the trapdoor. Keep your card in sight, your body shielding the keypad, and your voice calm when you call. *Your gut is a security tool.*
“If a machine asks twice for your PIN, treat it like a fire alarm,” says a cybercrime officer in Milan. “Back off, phone 112, and wait where you can see the ATM.”
- Don’t re-enter your PIN after a fake “Operazione annullata.”
- Do press Annulla, try to retrieve your card once, then stop.
- Call 112 if you suspect tampering or your card is stuck.
- Phone your bank immediately to block the card and log the incident.
- Observe the ATM from a safe distance until help arrives.
Share this simple rule before someone you love learns it the hard way
Criminals don’t need your trust forever—only the 20 seconds when you’re tired, in a rush, or distracted. Spread one clear line through your family chats and neighbourhood groups: “Prelievo al Bancomat: se vedi questa schermata, annulla tutto e chiama il 112.” Teach kids who use prepaid cards, remind older parents, and swap your bank’s emergency number with your partner. There is power in a habit you can summon under stress. **Your safety beats any awkwardness.** A calm refusal to type your PIN twice is not paranoia; it’s good street sense. The next person at that machine might be you.
| Point clé | Détail | Intérêt pour le lecteur |
|---|---|---|
| Recognise the fake screen | “Operazione annullata” + request to re-enter PIN or enter twice; odd logos/fonts; countdowns | Spots scams in seconds and prevents PIN capture |
| Immediate actions | Press Annulla, don’t type PIN again, shield keypad, tug-test hardware, call 112 and your bank | Simple, practical steps to protect card and cash |
| When the card gets stuck | Stay visible, don’t leave the ATM, call 112, block the card, report the machine ID | Cuts losses and helps catch criminals |
FAQ :
- What exactly does the scam screen look like?It often says “Operazione annullata,” “Terminale offline,” or “Verifica PIN,” then tells you to enter your PIN again or twice. Fonts can look generic, logos slightly wrong, and there may be a countdown bar to rush you.
- Should I really call 112 for an ATM issue?Yes, if you suspect tampering or your card is trapped and the machine asks for your PIN again. That’s an active crime scenario, not a simple malfunction.
- My card is stuck—what now?Press Annulla once, don’t re-enter your PIN, and call 112 from a short distance where you can see the ATM. Call your bank to block the card immediately and note the location and machine ID.
- How can I spot tampering fast?Do a 5‑second scan: tug the card slot and keypad, look for glue or bulky bezels, cover the keypad, and check for strange attachments like brochure holders pointing at the keys.
- Will my bank refund fraudulent withdrawals?Banks typically investigate and may refund if fraud is confirmed. Reporting quickly, blocking the card, and filing a police report strengthens your claim and shortens the trail.
