This simple bank card trick could betray a thief this summer

Stickers, scams, summer spending: This is one low-tech bank card trick you didn’t need.

Let’s set the scene. It’s summer. I’m finally off work. The sun is (almost) shining. Maybe grab ice cream on the beach, book flights, or tap cards at overseas market stalls. What is the last thing in your mind? Somewhere there, some digital villains are paying attention to the details of your bank.

However, every year, as soon as holiday mode begins, scammers come out. Over 2.3 million bank cards across Europe were compromised between 2023 and 2024, according to Kaspersky cybersecurity experts. Theft of a classic card is brought to life, especially when you’re distracted, relaxed and swiping as usual.

So what can you do other than focusing on the bank app every five minutes? Enter the incredibly clever sticker hacks that are rave reviews by security professionals.

Sticker Trick: Cover the Thief with One Genius Move

It sounds untrue, but here’s the point. Attach a fake pin to your bank card. Seriously. Grab a small sticker, write down four random numbers (not the actual pins, but obviously) and pop them on the back of the card.

If you lose your card, steal wood, or get stolen, it can usually happen. Thieves feel rather self-righteous, look at their handy notes and think you are the unforgettable type who needs reminders. They try out pins at your nearest ATM or shop. It will fail. They’ll try again. I still don’t have any luck. If you have three or four mistakes, most banks will automatically block your card for security reasons. That’s right: criminals don’t go anywhere, your cash is safe, you realize that your cards are short on, and you have time to ring your bank before anything bad happens.

It’s very clear that you wonder why you didn’t think about it.

Why scams are soaring in the summer (and why you’re the target)

Let’s face it. Most of us are not that vigilant when we are on vacation. The sun is coming out and Pina Coladas are getting it. We are more likely to fall into the dangerous “bank” text or forget to cover the pins in the supermarket. The scammers know this. They also know you know that you spend more and check your statements less.

And that’s not just paranoia talking about. Bank notifications blend in with all the regular holiday spam. If you’re away from home, it can take hours (or days) to realize that nothing is wrong. Therefore, it counts every minute.

More ways to keep your cards safe (and your sanity remains)

The sticker tricks are great, but don’t stop there. Experts suggest some more habits to make your money even safer:

• Throw away obvious pins: no birthday, 1234, and not “0000”.
• Keep your pins to yourself: even your best companions don’t need to know it.
• Do not store pins on your mobile phone. If so, at least use notes disguised as boring.
• Change the pins regularly: Frequently, better.
• Beware: Keep an eye out for unfamiliar rates, especially if you are traveling or using a new ATM.

It’s all about outmarting the bad guys

The beauty of the sticker tricks is how thieves change their impatience towards them. They think they won. Until the bank’s security begins and left empty-handed.

So, before packing the bag, it takes 30 seconds to stick the fake pins on the card. It’s easy, effective, and if you need to explain it to your peers, you can say you’re just one step ahead of the criminal.