Cook Solutions Group

Fraud Detection Engine

Fraud at ATMs and ITMs is a growing concern, with cash harvesting posing significant financial risks. Cash harvesting occurs when criminals use stolen or cloned cards to systematically drain an ATM’s cash reserves. Traditional security measures often fall short of addressing these rapid, high-volume attacks, which are designed to maximize losses in minimal time. To combat this, Cook Solutions Group developed the Suspicious Activity Notification – Fraud Detection Engine (SAN-FDE). SAN-FDE is an advanced, real-time fraud detection engine that identifies and prevents cash harvesting, safeguarding assets and mitigating losses.

Mitigating Cash Harvesting at ATMs with Fraud Detection Engine

Elements are essential for SAN-FDE’s functionality

SAN-FDE integrates seamlessly with existing ATM systems, using secure, reliable connections and up-to-date protocols to enable effective fraud detection.

  1. Electronic Journal Access: Direct access to the ATM’s electronic journals allows SAN-FDE to monitor transaction data and detect patterns indicative of cash harvesting in real time.
  2. Contact List for Notifications: A current contact list enables SAN-FDE to notify designated stakeholders instantly when suspicious activity is detected, ensuring swift intervention.
  3. RemoteView Agent on the ATM: The RemoteView agent is essential for SAN-FDE to manage machine operations directly, including taking the machine out of service upon detecting fraudulent activity.
  4. Security Plus Integration: Security Plus enhances SAN-FDE’s secure, real-time monitoring and alerting, enabling efficient data exchange and communication between components.
  5. Regular Windows Updates: Windows Updates are required to maintain system security and ensure that SAN-FDE operates within a stable, secure environment, protecting the ATM from potential vulnerabilities.
ATM-Out-of-service

Transactional Monitoring and Fraud Detection Capabilities.

SAN-FDE’s primary role is to detect and mitigate cash harvesting attempts through detailed, automated monitoring of transaction patterns associated with fraud:

Pattern Recognition for Cash Harvesting:

  • Rapid Maximum Withdrawals: SAN-FDE monitors for a high number of maximum withdrawals within a short timeframe, such as 5 maximum withdrawals in 5 minutes. This pattern is characteristic of cash harvesting attempts and triggers an immediate response.
  • Balance Inquiries Followed by Withdrawals: Criminals often perform
    multiple balance inquiries before initiating withdrawals to gauge how much cash can be obtained. SAN-FDE flags instances where 5 or more balance inquiries are immediately followed by maximum withdrawals, indicating probable fraudulent activity.

Automated Machine Shutdown:

  • Upon detecting these suspicious behaviors, SAN-FDE
    automatically takes the ATM or ITM offline, preventing additional withdrawals and minimizing financial losses without manual intervention. This immediate action is essential in curbing the effects of cash harvesting attempts, providing real-time fraud prevention that can scale across ATM networks.

Customer Benefits of SAN-FDE

  • Real-Time Fraud Detection and Prevention: SAN-FDE’s ability to detect suspicious transaction patterns as they occur allows institutions to halt fraud in its tracks, significantly reducing financial exposure and mitigating risk.
  • Reduced Downtime and Improved Risk Management: By identifying and addressing fraud in real time, SAN-FDE helps minimize machine downtime and contributes to stronger risk management, protecting both assets and customer trust.
  • Enhanced Security through Automation: Automated machine shutdowns during cash harvesting attempts ensure immediate protective actions, adding a critical layer of security without relying on personnel.
  • Streamlined Compliance and Reinforced Customer Confidence: As regulatory requirements for fraud prevention increase, SAN-FDE allows institutions to stay compliant with evolving security standards. This proactive fraud management reinforces trust, demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding financial transactions.

Implementation and Support

Tailored Configuration: SAN-FDE can be customized to meet each institution’s specific needs by adjusting fraud detection parameters and rule thresholds, ensuring alignment with individual risk tolerance and operational requirements.

Ongoing Maintenance and System Updates: Cook Solutions Group provides ongoing support for SAN-FDE, including regular updates to keep the system aligned with the latest fraud detection algorithms and tactics. Maintenance also includes Windows Updates, further securing the system and ensuring continued alignment with best practices in fraud prevention.  

With cash harvesting as a persistent and costly challenge, ATM operators need a proactive solution to deter and prevent fraud. SAN-FDE stands as an essential tool in combating cash harvesting, delivering real-time monitoring, automated responses, and flexible configuration options that enhance security and reduce operational risks. By detecting fraudulent behaviors and taking immediate action, SAN-FDE enables institutions to manage risks efficiently and align with industry standards. For institutions aiming to strengthen fraud prevention strategies, SAN-FDE offers scalable, sustainable protection for ATMs and ITMs.

To explore how SAN-FDE can enhance your institution’s fraud prevention and protect assets, contact Cook Solutions Group. Our team can demonstrate SAN-FDE’s capabilities, helping you take the next step toward a more secure, fraud-resistant ATM network.

Who We Work With

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