Abstract: A security system useful for monitoring an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a camera that provides images of at least selected portions of the ATM. A controller automatically determines whether a difference between a reference image of the ATM and a subsequently acquired image from the camera indicates an alteration to the ATM. One example provides the ability to detect whether a skimming reader has been placed adjacent a card receiving slot. A disclosed example includes acquiring a plurality of reference images corresponding to different lighting conditions and using an appropriate one of the reference images based upon a lighting condition or time of day associated with a subsequently acquired image.

Abstract: A card reader housing (20) has an exterior surface configuration (22) that includes a plurality of distinct surface portions (24-38) aligned at oblique angles relative to each other. The exterior surface configuration (22) prevents the placement of a skimming reader over the top of the card reader housing (20). In a disclosed example, a finger-receiving notch (50) is directly aligned with a reader (60) and has a depth and a dimension sized for receiving at least a portion of a finger holding a card inserted into a slot (46) in the housing (20). Any alteration of the notch (50) dimensions prevents proper operation of the card reader.

Abstract: A security system useful for monitoring an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a camera that provides images of at least selected portions of the ATM. A controller automatically determines whether a difference between a reference image of the ATM and a subsequently acquired image from the camera indicates an alteration to the ATM. One example provides the ability to detect whether a skimming reader has been placed adjacent a card receiving slot. A disclosed example includes acquiring a plurality of reference images corresponding to different lighting conditions and using an appropriate one of the reference images based upon a lighting condition or time of day associated with a subsequently acquired image.