Patent ID: 8517261

Claim:
A method comprising: (a) installing at least one sensor adjacent to a card entry slot of an automated banking machine, wherein the machine includes a plurality of transaction function devices, wherein the plurality of transaction function devices include at least one data reader, a display, and a cash dispenser, wherein the at least one data reader includes a card reader that is operable to read card data usable to identify a financial account on which financial transactions can be carried out with the machine, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to sense at least one electromagnetic field property of material located adjacent to the card entry slot; (b) installing at least one signal emitter adjacent to the card entry slot, wherein the at least one signal emitter is operable to output interference signals configured to interfere with card data reading by an unauthorized card reader located adjacent to the card entry slot; and (c) equipping the machine to include a controller that is in operative connection with the at least one sensor and the at least one signal emitter, wherein the controller is operable to determine whether the at least one sensor senses a change in the at least one electromagnetic field property, wherein the controller is operable to determine whether a sensed change in the at least one electromagnetic field property exists for a predetermined duration, wherein the controller is operable responsive at least in part to a determination that the sensed change existed for the predetermined duration, to cause the at least one signal emitter to output the interference signals, cause at least one of the plurality of transaction function devices to cease operation, and allow the machine to provide at least one indication that an unauthorized card reader was sensed by the at least one sensor.