What You Should Know About ATM Safety
The ATM has been around for over forty years and has become a part of our daily routine.
We use these machines without giving much thought to the process, the machine or our surroundings.
The majority of ATM robberies occur between 7 pm and 4 am.
Most of these robberies involve a young (usually under 25) male using a weapon and working alone against one victim.
I'm going to give you some tips to make your night time ATM experience a little safer.
First off, make sure you complete all of your deposit paperwork at home prior to going to an ATM.
Have the deposit envelopes at home.
Having everything done beforehand prevents it from becoming a distraction and will decrease the time you spend at the ATM.
If the ATM you plan to use is not well lit, is near the corner of the building or has tall shrubs nearby, skip it.
Find another machine to use.
On your approach to the machine, give the parking lot and the area around the machine a good hard look.
If you see anyone loitering or sitting in their car, find another machine.
Do not open your wallet or purse while in line or at the ATM itself.
Have your card in your hand before approaching the ATM.
If there is a line, don't let people crowd you.
Make sure people behind you are not close enough to see over your shoulder.
Politely, but firmly, refuse any help with the ATM offered by strangers.
Also, try not to wear expensive jewelry or bring other valuables, this just makes you a more inviting target.
If the ATM has a screen or instructions that seem unusual, or if the machine itself doesn't look right, don't use it.
The owner of an ATM would not stick a sign on the machine changing operation procedures or directing you to another specific ATM.
When you've collected your money, put it away immediately, take your card and leave.
Do not stand at the ATM and count your money.
Never! When using a drive-through ATM, leave the engine running, the car in gear and the doors locked.
Come prepared with deposit slips and envelopes already made out.
Keep an eye on the rear view mirrors as the majority of the time the bad guys are going to come up from behind.
I know this may seem like a lot, but night visits to an ATM require a little extra caution.
A container of pepper spray on your key ring wouldn't hurt, either! Following are some common sense tips concerning your PIN.
Don't get into a physical altercation with him or try follow him.
Immediately report it to the police.
Next time, I'll go into how people get scammed at the ATM.
Be safe!
We use these machines without giving much thought to the process, the machine or our surroundings.
The majority of ATM robberies occur between 7 pm and 4 am.
Most of these robberies involve a young (usually under 25) male using a weapon and working alone against one victim.
I'm going to give you some tips to make your night time ATM experience a little safer.
First off, make sure you complete all of your deposit paperwork at home prior to going to an ATM.
Have the deposit envelopes at home.
Having everything done beforehand prevents it from becoming a distraction and will decrease the time you spend at the ATM.
If the ATM you plan to use is not well lit, is near the corner of the building or has tall shrubs nearby, skip it.
Find another machine to use.
On your approach to the machine, give the parking lot and the area around the machine a good hard look.
If you see anyone loitering or sitting in their car, find another machine.
Do not open your wallet or purse while in line or at the ATM itself.
Have your card in your hand before approaching the ATM.
If there is a line, don't let people crowd you.
Make sure people behind you are not close enough to see over your shoulder.
Politely, but firmly, refuse any help with the ATM offered by strangers.
Also, try not to wear expensive jewelry or bring other valuables, this just makes you a more inviting target.
If the ATM has a screen or instructions that seem unusual, or if the machine itself doesn't look right, don't use it.
The owner of an ATM would not stick a sign on the machine changing operation procedures or directing you to another specific ATM.
When you've collected your money, put it away immediately, take your card and leave.
Do not stand at the ATM and count your money.
Never! When using a drive-through ATM, leave the engine running, the car in gear and the doors locked.
Come prepared with deposit slips and envelopes already made out.
Keep an eye on the rear view mirrors as the majority of the time the bad guys are going to come up from behind.
I know this may seem like a lot, but night visits to an ATM require a little extra caution.
A container of pepper spray on your key ring wouldn't hurt, either! Following are some common sense tips concerning your PIN.
- Memorize your PIN.
- NEVER tell anyone your PIN, including family, bank officer or the police.
- Don't make your PIN your birthday or anything else that may be easy to guess.
- Change your PIN occasionally, if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.
- Save your receipts and check your statements on a regular basis.
Don't get into a physical altercation with him or try follow him.
Immediately report it to the police.
Next time, I'll go into how people get scammed at the ATM.
Be safe!