They're scamming ATMs on a massive scale. The TikTok trend is taking its toll

A TikTok trend has led many to test whether it’s possible to cheat an ATM. The suspicious method, involving an ATM malfunction, was supposed to pay a fortune.

Some TikTok trends can be inspiring, while others can land you in jail. Especially if they promise a way to get rich quick. And the temptation can be irresistible. Numerous videos convince users that it really is easy and they can do it too. Recently, videos showing how to “cheat” an ATM and, thanks to a certain trick, get a mountain of money have gained a lot of popularity on TikTok.

This is not a clever trick, but a common scam.

The video was about JPMorgan Chase Bank ATMs. It was a quick tutorial on how to obtain cash from ATMs of this network. In a nutshell, the idea was to deposit a check for a large amount (that the user did not have) and quickly withdraw a smaller amount before the settlement was finalized.

The recordings were very convincing. Users repeatedly tossed large amounts of cash into the air, earned in this way. They proved that the ATM allegedly had this type of defect and withdrawing money that is not in the account in this way is possible. Some people did not need much persuading. An avalanche of attempts to obtain money in this way started.

“unlimited money glitch” 🧐

Don’t believe the TikTok trend, check fraud is a serious crime. You will be prosecuted. If it sounds too good to be true…

— US Postal Inspection Service – Headquarters (@USPISpressroom) September 3, 2024

The Wall Street Journal reports that thousands of people took advantage of this attempt to obtain cash. This is of course not a trick, just plain fraud. JP Morgan Chase has blocked the accounts of all “smart guys” who tried to rob ATMs in this way. The evidence included recordings not only from TikTok, but also from ATM surveillance.