10 Consumer Tips for ATM Safety and Security

1. 10 Consumer Tips for ATM Safety and Security Cash machines are some of the most attractive points to fraudsters and robbers. Physical ATM thefts happen almost as often as electronic cashpoint scams such as ATM skimming. ATM skimming is particularly a serious threat. It involves overlaying a genuine cash machine with a data scraping device. When you enter your card data, the device can record your personal details. Skimmers also use a hidden camera at the ATM. And it is not to provide genuine 24/7 ATM monitoring. The camera is supposed to record your PIN code as you enter it to be used later to break into your account. So, always inspect the ATM’s keyboard, card holder, and in-display information to see if anything is off. Look around to spot any hidden cameras, too.

2. If you notice these red flags, feel free to walk out and look for a more secure cash machine. But avoiding ATM skimming is only one way to protect yourself from ATM fraud and theft. Here are ten more. 1.Keep your ATM security items to yourself Avoid revealing your card number and CVV code to anyone. That includes people you know, such as family, friends, and work colleagues. If anyone calls you from your bank asking for card details, you can read the card’s number but never the PIN or CVV code around the back of your card. 2.Pull up to the ATM ready This applies whether you are using a drive-up, in-store, or standalone ATM. You do not want to allow any potential assailants to sneak up and catch you off-guard. So take out your card before you arrive at the cash machine, have your PIN ready to go, and finish up as quickly as you got in if you can. 3.Count your blessings away from the cashpoint. Avoid isolated ATMs

3. Avoid counting cash at the cashpoint. Take it. Avoid displaying the wand of cash you have on you. Put it in your pocket or bag before turning around to leave. Only count it where you are in safe company or inside your car with all windows and doors locked. 4.Prefer to use an in-store cash machine This is especially handy when you want to cash out at night, in an unfamiliar place, or away from onlookers. In-store ATMs are also great because you can take cash out and do your shopping on-site. No outsiders will know how much you withdrew, paid, and got left over in cash. 5.Shield your ATM PIN code Use your other hand to block the ATM keypad while you enter your card’s PIN. Or, use your body to prevent onlookers or hidden cameras from capturing your entered security codes. 6.Watch out for onlookers If you notice someone following your moves, don't stop at the nearest cashpoint. Try to lose them first before taking out cash at a public or in-store cash machine. You do not want to raise any potential burglar’s interest by incentivizing it with cash. 7.Withdraw elsewhere if you suspect something is out-of-place See if you can notice these red flags:

4. · Lots of or weird ATM adverts. · Misconfigured ATM menu. · New menu items you’ve not seen before in other ATMs. · A cash machine with a brand name, card processor, or ATM installation service you’ve not heard of before. · Isolation or ATM placement in a dark area. · It asks for your PIN twice. · Lose parts. · Freezing behavior. That’s an ATM you do not want to use. 8.Check your transaction history often That way, you can catch any activity you deem suspicious. And, in case the worst comes to pass, the proactive approach will help you catch the abnormality before fraudsters can drain out your savings.

5. 9.Report lost ATM cards ASAP Anyone can collect a stolen or lost ATM card and conspire to misuse it. They may not even need your ATM PIN to commit fraud against your checking account. If the person who collected the card compromises your bank’s internal staff, they may successfully swindle you. So, if you can’t find your cash machine card, call your bank immediately to block the card from transacting any business until you can re-activate it again. 10. Know your rights Take the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, for example. It protects both debit and credit card users from liability in several different cases. For example, reporting your card lost before it is used somewhere can protect you from taking responsibility for any unauthorized transactions. In that case, you can stand protected from losses in case your bank doesn’t take quick action to protect your checking account thereafter. Remember, practice these tips every time you want to take out cash at an ATM. Rehearse if you must. It will protect your hard-earned money from fraudsters.