Automated teller, or ATM machines, are a convenient way to obtain cash, check your balance, or make deposits. It seems that virtually every store has one, and kiosks appear in great numbers in most cities and towns. However, there have been many crimes committed against individuals who just wanted to handle their banking needs on their schedules and in the most convenient manner. To protect yourself, there are certain safety tips you should observe.
Never write your personal identification number (PIN) on your bankcard. If it is lost, stolen, or inadvertently left in the machine, you have just given a thief access to your account. Protect your PIN and do not give it to anyone except a trusted family member. When entering your PIN on the keypad, stand in a position that blocks those behind you from seeing the numbers you are entering.
Many people are issued a PIN by the bank. Do not write down the number and carry it in your wallet. If you find the assigned PIN is too difficult to remember, request a change and select your own so that you can commit it to memory. Do not use a number that can be found on other items you typically carry with you. This means you should not use your house number, birth year or birth date, or a portion of your Social Security or driver's license number. Possible choices that you might find easy to remember include your sister's house address, the year you graduated, or the year you married.
Choose locations that are well-lit and have many other people around. Pay attention to your surroundings as you approach and watch for anyone who appears to be loitering, either on foot or in a vehicle. If anyone in the area seems suspicious or makes you feel uncomfortable, go to another location.
Do not count your cash while standing at the ATM. If there is an error, you are going to have to call the bank anyway. Since there is no teller to verify the cash you received, you have plenty of time to get to a safe location to count your money. Flashing your cash can be just the incentive a thief needs to strike.
If you must go to an isolated machine, try to take someone else with you, especially at night. Ask the other person to keep an eye on your surroundings while you conduct your transaction. Have your ATM card handy before you arrive, so that you do not need to waste time searching through your wallet to find it.
Be sure to take your card when you are through. Many machines are now equipped with a swipe scanner so that you never have to turn loose of your card. Some older types still require you to insert the card, and it is typically not returned until you end the transaction. It is easy to become sidetracked while retrieving your receipt and cash and forget to wait until your card is returned.
Should the worst happen and you are approached by an armed thief who demands your cash or your card and PIN, give it to him. Your account probably has a set daily withdrawal limit, typically $300, so that is the most cash he can steal from you. If your card doubles as a debit card, he may be able to make additional charges for purchases. File a police report and notify your bank immediately. It may take a little time to straighten out any fraudulent charges, but it can be done. Remember that it is not worth risking serious injury or death.
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