ATM Safety

Automated Teller Machines(ATM) have gained popularity in the banking. Studies have shown there to be roughly one ATM crime per 3.5 million transactions. With that being said, it’s important to point out that these types of robberies are actually relatively rare. So, while the following strategies will help keep you safer, there is little reason to be overly concerned about your well being when withdrawing cash.

• Have a Plan: Knowing exactly what transactions you want to perform, remembering your PIN and generally acting with a purpose will minimize the time you spend at the ATM and thereby make you a more challenging target. 

• Go During the Daytime: Since most robberies occur at night, banking during daytime hours will dramatically reduce your susceptibility to crime. Not only will it be harder for criminals to sneak up on you, but there will be more bystanders (i.e. potential witnesses) to discourage any mischief.

• Use an ATM in a Safe Location: Frequenting ATMs in safe, high-traffic locations is a great way to protect yourself. An ATM inside a convenience store or supermarket, for example, may be a better bet during late hours. 

• Mind Your Surroundings: You should remain vigilant when withdrawing cash, keeping an eye on the people around you and considering how you would get away quickly should that be necessary. 

• Use the Existing Security Features: Most ATMs have mirrors that enable you to see what people behind and to the sides of you are doing without turning your head. Others have screens that cannot be read from the side.  Taking advantage of these features, surveying your blind spots and making sure no one is peeking over your shoulder, is therefore an obvious safeguard. 

• Don’t Argue If Held Up: No amount of money is worth your life. If you are confronted, give the robber what he asks for and live to fight another day.  There are steps you can take to make yourself financially whole, but trying to become physically whole is a whole lot tougher, with way more on the line. 

• Communicate with Your Bank: If you are robbed while using the ATM, notify the police and your bank right away. Your debit card will then be suspended and you will be issued a new one.  Odds are the coerced withdrawal will be treated as an unauthorized transaction and you will be given your money back.

• Apply a Withdrawal Limit: If you are seriously concerned about falling victim to an ATM robbery, one way that you can limit your potential liability is to reduce your daily withdrawal limit. This would cap the amount of funds a thief could take from you.  Just make sure to consider your financial needs and spending habits in order to set your limit at the proper amount. 

• Check Your Bank Statements: ATM crime can’t always be seen. It’s also popular for criminals to tamper with ATM machines in order to record users’ card information.  This is called “skimming.”  The best way to protect against the potential ramifications of skimming is to regularly review your bank account information to make sure no one has gained unauthorized access to your funds.