Tips for using ATM safely and securely

Top 20 tips for using ATM safely and securely and avoid theft.
ATMs are a great convenience, but they can compromise your safety. A robber looking for easy prey only has to stake out an ATM in a low-traffic, dimly lit area and bide his time.

There is no central repository for statistics on ATM crime, but reports of ATM robberies frequently can be found in just about any local newspaper.

Cash machines at banks are probably the safest bet, but that doesn't mean you have to steer clear of the ones at malls, airports and sports venues. You can avoid becoming a victim by using some good old common sense and by planning ahead for ATM withdrawals.



Choosing an ATM

1.    Whenever possible, use ATMs with which you are most familiar. Alternatively, choose well-lit, well-placed ATMs where you feel comfortable.

2.    Scan the whole ATM area before you approach it. Avoid using the ATM altogether if there are any suspicious-looking individuals around, or if it looks too isolated or unsafe.

3.    Avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet while in the queue of the ATM. Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM.

4.    Notice if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM indicating it might have been altered. If the ATM appears to have any attachments to the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Check for unusual instructions on the display screen and for suspicious blank screens. If you suspect that the ATM has been interfered with, proceed to another ATM and inform the bank.

5.    Avoid ATMs which have messages or signs fixed to them indicating that the screen directions have been changed, especially if the message is posted over the card reader.

Banks and other ATM owners will not put up messages directing you to specific ATMs, nor would they direct you to use an ATM which has been altered.

Using an ATM

6.    Be especially cautious when strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction. You should not allow anyone to distract you while you are at the ATM.

7.    Check that other individuals in the queue keep an acceptable distance from you. Be on the look-out for individuals who might be watching you enter your PIN.

8.    Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN. (You may wish to use the knuckle of your middle finger to key in the PIN).

9.    Follow the instructions on the display screen, e.g. do not key in your PIN until the ATM requests you to do so.

10.    If you feel the ATM is not working normally, press the Cancel key and withdraw your card. Then proceed to another ATM, reporting the matter to your financial institution.

11.    Never force your card into the card slot.

12.    Keep your printed transaction record so that you can compare your ATM receipts to your monthly statement.

13.    If your card gets jammed, retained or lost, or if you are interfered with at an ATM, report this immediately to the bank and/or police using the help line provided or the nearest phone.

14.    Do not be in a hurry during the transaction. Carefully secure your card & cash in your wallet, handbag or pocket before leaving the ATM.

Managing Your ATM Use

15.    Memorize your PIN (if you must write it down, do so in a disguised manner and never carry it with your card).

16.    NEVER disclose your PIN to anyone, whether to family member, bank staff or police.

17.    Do not use obvious and guessable numbers for your PIN like your date of birth.

18.    Change your PIN periodically, and, if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.

19.    Set your daily ATM withdrawal limit at a level that you consider reasonable.

20.    Regularly check your account balance and bank statements and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.


Other Safety measures:

• If there’re ATMs inside your office campus, use that. ATMs in office complexes, which are often manned by security and visitors aren’t allowed inside without scrutiny are much safer than an unguarded ATM by the roadside. If you’re working in such a facility which has ATMS inside, use them, since chances of fraud or theft entering in and installing card readers and such devices is very less.
• Use your bank’s ATM as much as possible, instead of other bank’s atm. In case of a fraud, it is relatively easier to deal with the bank you have account with, than dealing with other banks.
• Split your money into two accounts. Assume you have 1.2 lakhs- Keep 1 lakh in Account 1, keep 20k in account 2. Carry only Account 2 ATM card with you. It is very unlikely that you’ll need all of 1.2 lakh at once. Even if you need, there’ll be daily withdrawal limits, so you can’t withdraw more than 20-30k per day. So carry the card with less money. At any given point of time, your risk exposure (in case of fraud) is only 20k and not your entire 1.2 lakhs.
• ATMs which are part of a bank branch, ATMs which you know have security cameras are usually safer than other ATMs.
• Subscribe for SMS alert facility given by your bank, so that you get alert whenever money is withdrawn.
• Avoid giving your primary debit card and PIN to your family members. Create a separate account/card for them with lesser limits.
• ATMs which completely swallow the card and return it after transaction are safer than ATMs which require users to swipe in and swipe out the card. This is because it is easier to attach a magnetic reader device on the protruding part of the machine. Some ATMs (like SBI) need you to insert a debit card to open the door. While this is a good measure to prevent entry of unauthorized users, these doors result in another point of weakness, as magnetic readers can be fixed to these doors much easily than the teller machine.
• Watch out for any unusual wires/thick cello tapes or other suspicious substances around the machine.
• Also avoid situations wherein you know you’ll need cash, but forget to withdraw it till last moment (like when leaving for a trip, getting late for train and you need urgent cash but no ATMs are to be seen around). last minute tensions make you ignore all safety aspects.

Please note that you should show the same precautionary care when using your card(s) at a POS (point of sale) pin pad terminal in a retail environment, at a restaurant, when conducting transactions online, over the telephone, or when writing cheques (checks) – speak to your bank branch about security when using these other service delivery channels.

 
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