Italy's courts and banks warn of legal and security risks from unauthorized ATM card use

The Italian Court of Cassation, in its decision No. 39189 of 2024, clarified that using a parent’s debit card or bank account without explicit, written authorization can constitute the crime of embezzlement under article 646 of the penal code. The ruling stresses that any operation on another’s account must be performed solely in the account holder’s interest and requires a formal delegation to avoid criminal liability.

Banking security experts also advise customers to avoid printing ATM receipts, as the slips contain partial card data, transaction amounts, and balance information that can be pieced together for phishing or fraud attempts. Users are urged to decline receipt printing unless necessary, and to securely destroy any printed receipts to prevent misuse.