- Be vigilant. Stay aware of your surroundings when approaching an ATM. If you see any suspicious activity, especially people in parked vehicles lurking or lingering in the vicinity of the ATM. If you notice suspicious activity, cancel your transaction immediately and leave the area. Take special care at night and be sure to choose an ATM in a well-lighted area or an ATM location that you are familiar with.
- Suspect you are being followed? When you complete your transaction make sure you are not followed to your car. If you notice anyone following you, drive straight to your nearest police station, sheriff’s office, or fire station.
- Take someone with you. Using the buddy system can help keep you safe by having someone keep a lookout for any suspicious behavior while you use an ATM.
- Have your card ready. When approaching the ATM, have your card ready in hand to avoid being distracted by rummaging through your purse or wallet for your card.
- Inspect the ATM. Be on the lookout for any signs of tampering on the ATM keypad and card reader. Do not use the ATM if the card reader slot or keypad looks different from the financial institution’s color scheme. Criminals attach card skimmers to the payment terminal of an ATM. Card skimmers steal your card details when inserted to withdraw
- Protect your PIN. Shield the screen and keypad when entering your PIN. This is a second layer of PIN protection.
- Keep your receipt. Some transaction receipts contain your personal account information like your name, surname, or address. It could also contain the last four digits of your ATM card number or account number. If criminals get hold of this information you could be a victim of identity theft.
- Put your cash away. After withdrawing cash from the ATM, don’t count out your cash in the open. Rather wait until you are safely in your car or home to count your money.
- Consider drive-up ATM safety. When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked, and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
- Preparation is key. Make sure you have a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Make sure you have all your transaction paperwork ready before you go to the ATM. It will minimize the amount of time spent at the ATM and the possibility of a criminal taking a chance to steal from you.
- Keep track of your transactions. Pay close attention to your bank statements, check your account balances regularly, and notify your bank immediately of any problems or anomalies you notice.
- Stay safe. Should you find yourself in a situation where a criminal is demanding cash or valuables from you, always comply. Your life is more valuable than money.
Keep these necessary safety precautions in mind next time you visit an ATM to prevent the most common crimes, increase your personal security, and prevent yourself from becoming an ATM crime victim. |
