| We have all seen ATM (automated teller machine) | | | | you that something isn't quite right at a particular ATM, |
| thefts on the news, read of them in stories, or know a | | | | then get out of there quickly. If a phony scanner is |
| friend who has been a victim. It is not a new crime, but | | | | installed, the criminal may be in the vicinity and you |
| the sophistication of the crime is increasing. | | | | don't want to linger and be confronted. |
| Every family needs to have rules regarding safe ATM | | | | Make sure there the security camera(s) is securely |
| use. Identity theft is not the only negative effect that | | | | installed. Be leery of any camera that appears to be |
| can stem from ATM crimes. You can be mugged, | | | | temporarily located because it probably belongs to a |
| raped, robbed, and even killed due to an ATM incident. | | | | criminal. |
| If you must use an ATM that is outdoors or isolated, | | | | When shopping, use your card as a credit card and |
| make sure the area is well lit. | | | | not as a debit card. This lessens the chance of a |
| Be alert and observe everyone in the area. If | | | | criminal getting your PIN (personal identification number) |
| someone is loitering, wait until the person leaves or just | | | | and account information. Use your hand or body to |
| find another machine to use. | | | | shield the keypad from the view of others, including the |
| Upon approaching the ATM, have your card ready, get | | | | store clerk. |
| the cash, hide it and quickly vacate the area. Don't | | | | If your card becomes stuck in an ATM, stay at the |
| have a handful of bills in your hand to attract the | | | | machine and call the bank for help. Do not do this if |
| attention of a thief. Remember this safety tip when | | | | you suspect that your safety is compromised. In that |
| you are withdrawing cash at the bank; hide the money | | | | case, write down or memorize the emergency |
| before leaving the counter. | | | | customer service number printed on the machine, and |
| Do not talk to strangers near the machine, even if they | | | | then immediately leave. Once inside your car, call for |
| appear to be friendly or just lost. If you don't | | | | help. |
| understand how to use that particular ATM, leave and | | | | Some thieves disable the machines so that your card |
| go to another one. | | | | gets temporarily stuck. This gives them time to see |
| I recommend that you only use ATMs inside busy | | | | you repeatedly punch in your PIN, either via camera or |
| stores. There are plenty of ATMS in isolated indoor | | | | in person. So if you have troubles at the machine, be |
| and outdoor locations; in most cases, thieves will take | | | | extra cautious of the kind stranger who insists on |
| the easiest route to the money. | | | | helping you. |
| Do an internet search and familiarize yourself with | | | | Be ready to use your personal alarm, electronic whistle, |
| ATM scanner fraud. Know how to identify the most | | | | or other protection device. Don't own one and forget |
| common types of ATM scanners. If your instincts alert | | | | to carry it. You are responsible for your own safety. |