ATM Security
Bank
Security Tips
ATM
cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a
real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an
element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a
little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available
24-hours a day doesn't mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies
occur at night between 7pm and midnight when the machine only produces
10% of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the ATMs handles
only 11% of the total daily transactions but suffers 60% of the crime.
ATM
robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone.
ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby (30 feet) waiting for a
victim to approach and withdraw cash. Half of the ATM robberies occur
after the cash withdrawal. Many ATM robbery victims are
women
and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they
never
saw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have
a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their
cash.
If
you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis,
here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:
Use
only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. ATMs inside
busy supermarkets are considered safer. Don't use ATM machines that
are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind
pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious
hiding places
like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the
element of
surprise and no
witnesses. Robbers like good
escape
routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.
Get a
list of ATM locations from your bank and keep it in your car. Choose
an ATM that looks and 'feels'
safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit
your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you
can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any
suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or
sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be
prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN
number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting
your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never
accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious male
ahead of you at the machine.
If
anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your
transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and
leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious male
in a loud, firm voice to "back-off"
and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give
you time to flee, if appropriate. It is far easier to apologize later
or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a
robbery victim. When you receive cash from the machine put it away
immediately, extract your card, and walk away.
If
you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply.
Make sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious persons
loitering in the area. If there are, listen to your
gut
instinct and
drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in gear, with your
foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close
eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction.
Robbers almost always approach from the
rear
on the
drivers side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it
means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed
robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not
worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the
police immediately.
-
Only use ATM
machines in a well-lighted, open, high-traffic area
-
Use ATMs at inside
busy supermarkets when possible
-
If lights around the
ATM are not working, don't use that machine
-
Avoid ATM machines
adjacent to obvious hiding places
-
When you approach an
ATM, scan the area first for loiterers
-
Have your card ready
and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
-
Walk, run, or drive
away immediately if your instincts tell you so
-
Beware of offers for
help from strangers during an ATM transaction
-
Tell any suspicious
male in a loud, firm voice to back-off
-
Don't argue with a
robber, if confronted, and give up the cash
-
Don't fight with or
attempt to follow the robber
-
Drive or walk to a
safe place and immediately call the police
I hope you found these ideas helpful |
