Say goodbye to Bonnie and Clyde….

An ironic news report, recently stated how convicted bank robbers had googled, “How people get caught after bank robberies,” shortly before they were arrested for their role in a bank heist. Yes, it is hard not to let a wry smile escape the lips. However Bonnie and Clyde style traditional bank robberies are becoming a thing of the past….but why?

The British Bank Association recently stated that the traditional bank robbery was down by 90%, meaning that notorious robberies such as the Northern Bank Belfast, are going to be banished to the history books. The reasons for the sharp downturn are quite clear. Technological advances including better CCTV, DNA Spray and a fog designed to disorientate criminals are a great deterrent. So does that mean our money is safe?

Phising, Smishing and Skimming

Since the advances of technology, would be bank robbers have had to develop new techniques to earn a few quid. This comes in the shape of phising, smishing and skimming and it is a worryingly grey area to police. Smishing involves criminals hacking into text threads from banks and encouraging customers to hand over personal information which gives access to funds. And as you have handed over your personal details, it is hardly likely that the bank will reimburse you.

“Wave and Pray”

Wave and Pay has also caused a wave of panic with its own particular brand of fraud. Claims of a “digital pickpocket went viral, with suggestions that a hand held GPRS merchant device could be used to “skim” people’s card without them even knowing. Furthermore, banks admitted that cancelled cards might still be chargeable with contactless payment.

Meanwhile across the pond!

Across the pond, it is very much the same story. Bank robberies on the decrease and cyber crime on the increase. Over the years there have been many Hollywood movies dedicated to great bank robberies, think The Bank Job and Inside Man. So will this new wave of technology see a new genre of cybercrime blockbusters? Perhaps so, yet it does not quite have the same appeal as Jason Statham, machoism and sleek roadsters, does it?