DETROIT -- There's a new, high-tech scam that may change the way you bank forever.

Customers stroll up to the automated teller machine, but they don't notice that a man lurking nearby is up to no good.

He's using one of the fastest-selling gadgets on the market. It's the videophone and gives users video at their fingertips, but the new gadget is also wreaking havoc on ATM customers.

It's called "shoulder surfing." Police say savvy criminals are using camera phones to videotape customers punching the access code to bank accounts.

Crooks videotape customers punching in their PIN. Once the crook has the number, all they have to do is snag the bank card and instantly get at cash.

One customer observed by WDIV-TV made a critical mistake at a gas station ATM.

A man with a video phone successfully scanned the image as the customer punched the keys on the machine.

His mistake was letting someone get too close behind him while he was using the ATM.

Another woman made a mistake by walking away holding both her card and her cash in her hand. It would be easy for a crook to run up behind her and snatch both the card and the cash.

Remember, if there are a lot of people around, you should be aware. If it's crowded, you may want to use another ATM, police say.

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Additional Information

What is "shoulder surfing"?

The thief looks over your shoulder and sees you enter your personal identification number at an ATM machine.

How can you avoid thieves who may be "shoulder surfing"?

Protect your PIN. Do this by shielding the keypad from view with your body or by cupping your hand over the keypad.

Don't be shy and be sure to pay attention to your hunches.

If someone is unusually close or unusually attentive, block that person's view.

Take your receipt with you and shred it before throwing it away. The receipt may contain valuable account information.

Other safety tips regarding your ATM card:

Memorize your PIN number. Do not write it on your card or tell anyone your number.

Have your ATM card ready to use before approaching the machine.

When using an outdoor terminal, look for a well-lit area.

If you are going to be leaving an indoor terminal with a large sum of cash, park nearby in a well lit area, then have your keys in hand when you leave the building.

Enter and lock your car as quickly as possible.

Most importantly, stay alert at all times.