We’re all used to hearing incredible stories about 3D printing changing the world for the better, from the 3D printed skull to 3D printed tools for use in the third world. But what about the dark side of 3D printing?

The idea of 3D printed weapons, including 3D printed guns, has been generating a lot of controversy, but now there’s another shady use of the technology that’s generating column inches: the 3D printed ATM skimmer.

The evil Side of 3D Printing

Resourceful, tech-savvy criminals from South Texas created a specially-designed unit designed to obscure the real card slot on a certain brand of ATM. The device would skim users’ card details, and allow the scammers to make copies of cards while also stealing PIN numbers.

After the gang’s original ringleader was sent to jail, taking with him the skills they had been using, the rest of the gang clubbed together and bought a 3D printer, which they then used to create the ingeniously nefarious device.

Luckily, the devices were spotted, and the whole gang arrested. Their 3D printer was seized, and now serves as watertight evidence of their guilt.

How concerned should we be about the dark side of 3D printing? Are you worried about 3D printed guns or other criminal accessories? Let us know in the comments section below!