Buying an ATM on Craigslist

A used ATM pops up for sale on Craigslist every once and a while. Here is a good example for $1500:

Date: 2011-02-05, 7:57AM PST
Reply to: sale-htpd7-2198489834@craigslist.org

ATM machine for sale. Hyosung Mini Bank 1500. Excellent condition. Have all documentation and keys. Machine is ready to be placed in service.

The photo is not as suspicious as you might think. Is that a garage door in the background? Un-used ATMs always end up around garages and loading-docks because they are so heavy (~300 lbs). The weight is considered to be part of a theft-deterrence design.

The advertisement does not say, of course, whether the transaction history is wiped and the system is clean (e.g. empty or full of card numbers).

It should be very easy to find out. This model of ATM offers web access to its transaction history and cash management reports. You can download and read more details, including the full manual, on your phone as I’ve mentioned before.

I plan on putting this one near the RSA Conference and then streaming transactions live into my presentation. Just kidding…sort of…

In related news, for another $700 you also can buy an embossing device on Craigslist to make fun cards for your friends to use with your ATM…or to play Monopoly on credit.

PLASTIC CARD EMBOSSER (PVC – MANUAL):

Machine Details:

* OCR-7B Font Plus Alpha /Numeric * 10 & 7 Per Inch Spacing

* Financial Format /Five Line /ANSI /for CR-80 Plastic Cards

* Hardened Steel Dies & Punches

* Weight 17 lbs. – Shipping Weight 24 lbs.

* Height 9.5″ – Depth 14″ – Width 10″

Originally Priced at $3000.00, currently on sale for $700.00!

Enhance your business by embossing personalized gift and/or business cards! This is an excellent way to inspire customer loyalty!

Embosser may be used to emboss letters and/or numbers on standard ATM, Hotel, Employee plastic cards.

*Express Shipping is Available*

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.