Is your ATM Safe?

Drive up safety, Check Cashing Stores, Safe Transactions and Tips for Lenders.

Security:

Select a well-lighted, busy ATM that is protected yet visible from the street. Try to use an ATM during daylight hours. Avoid using ATMs located at rear entrances or surrounded by shrubbery or trees. To prevent a thief from finding enough privacy to corner you, use an ATM that has:

Most ATM robbers claimed to have a concealed weapon. Most ATM victims are women who were alone at the time and never saw the robber coming.

*A stationed guard

*Working security cameras

*An emergency telephone

*A door that locks

*An enclosed vestibule with windows

Drive-Up Safety:

When using an ATM, never open the door to anyone. Use a drive-up ATM instead of a walk-up where robberies are most likely to occur.

*To avoid being blocked in when using a drive-up machine, do not pull forward until the car ahead of you has left.

*Lock your doors and windows.

*Keep your care in gear with your foot on the brake.

*If you must use an ATM at night, ask someone to accompany you and stand guard.

*If using a walk-up ATM, lock your doors behind you.

In 1/3 of all ATM card frauds, the cardholder wrote their PIN on their ATM or on slips of paper kept with their card.

Check Cashing Stores:

*Be aware of who is around you so you know if you are being followed after cashing a check.

*Do not count out large quantities of cash in open view.

*Park in areas that are well lit.

*Avoid routine, such as cashing a check at the same time and location each week.

*Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when obtaining cash.

Safe Transactions:

When someone is using the machine, stand back to allow privacy, then follow these tips.

*If you have difficulty inserting your card into the ATM slot, STOP. Go to another ATM and report the problem to your bank.

*Once your transaction is complete, put your money away immediately. Count it later.

*Always take your receipt and verify each transaction. If you have an unexplained transaction, contact your financial institution immediately.

*Be cautious if approached after conducting a transaction.

*If something makes you uneasy, terminate the transaction and go to another ATM.

*Go to a public place and stay there at least 15 minutes if you think someone is following you.

*Be wary of anyone who crowds you or tries to view your transaction. Stand between the ATM and the people behind you in line.

*Never accept help from anyone .

*Surrender your card and money upon demand if you are held up.

*Report any lost or stolen card to your bank and your local law enforcement department.

ATM Safety:

An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is an electronic terminal that allows you to bank 24 hours a day. By entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) you can withdraw cash, make deposits or transfer funds between accounts using an ATM card. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) uses computer and electronic technology as substitute for paper transactions. Protect yourself from theft while using an ATM.

*Memorize your PIN, then keep it a secret. Never write your PIN on your ATM card, a deposit slip, envelope or postcard. Never carry your PIN number on your person.

*Choose a PIN other than your birthdate, phone number or Social Security number.

*Never discuss your account with anyone over the phone or in person.

*Never allow anyone to use your card or PIN or help you with a transaction.

*Have your card ready and the forms filled out. Never approach an ATM holding out your transaction card or deposit.

*Vary the time and location for using an ATM.

*Shield the screen and key pad from view.

*Visually inspect the ATM for signs of tampering or homemade devices (illegal card-reading devices or scanners placed over the card slot, unauthorized hidden cameras on card racks, etc.). Report any suspicious to your banking institution.

Tips for Lenders:

Protect your ATMs through environmental design, lighting, landscaping and location. ATM sites should be inspected regularly to ensure that safety features have not become compromised. ATM operators, law enforcement and bank regulators should all share responsibility for monitoring compliance.

*Install proper lighting at and around ATMs, including all adjacent building corners and nearby parking places. This allows users to see anyone suspicious near the ATM.

*Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed to remove potential hiding places.

*Remove obstacles such as dumpsters, benches or walls that obstruct a clear view of the ATM.

*Install mirrors on ATMs and on adjacent building corners.

*Install ATM where there is a lot of natural surveillance such as vehicle and pedestrian traffic or near local law enforcement.

*Relocate, close or limit the hours of operation and ATMs at high risk sites.

*Install and monitor surveillance cameras at and around ATMs.

*Install devices such as a panic button, telephone or microphone that allows victims to summon police during a robbery.

*Routinely inspect ATMs for unauthorized hidden cameras or illegal card devices.

*Assign security guards at high-risk ATMs.

*Prohibit loitering and panhandling.

*Require ATMs to be located in enclosed vestibules with doors that lock.

*Set daily cash-withdrawal limits.

Most ATM robberies occur between Midnight and 4:00am.

Bloggers Disclosure: This information was taken directly from the National Child Safety Council pamphlet and I give them full credit for this. Please call the National Child Safety Council for more information on this and other subject matters.