ATM safety is important for everyone. Using the ATM is almost a weekly thing for a lot of us. Especially during the holidays, you need some cash for those last minute gift purchases. Nowadays you can find an ATM almost anywhere you spend cash. This includes the mall, gas stations, sports venues, grocery stores, and even outside of your bank. Therefore, you don’t have to go inside and deal with a teller just to make a small withdrawal.
This makes accessing your funds easy, however it is also easy to have your personal information compromised. No one wants to have their information and money stolen just because they were distracted for a moment at the ATM. The following are a few tips that can help you keep your accounts safe from theft. Looking for a First Bank ATM in Colorado? Try these ATM locations.
ATM Safety Tips
- Be Prepared
Having your card out and ready and knowing what you plan to do at the ATM can reduce the time spent in front of the machine and therefore the window that thieves have to steal your information. Remember, if you are making a withdrawal you can always count your money when you are safely back in your car. - Shield the Keypad
You are probably not the only one needing to get money out of the machine, but any of those people that are in the queue behind you could be a thief in disguise. Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN. This is the first line of defense against your account being compromised, so don’t share it with anyone or even write it down. - Drive-Up ATMS
If you are using an ATM from the safety of your car, you could still be at risk. Be alert and aware of your surroundings during the entirety of the transaction. Keep your car doors locked and the other windows in your car raised. Don’t accept help from strangers. - Walk-Up ATMs
If you aren’t in your car, make sure to choose a machine in a safe place—if it is night, then make sure the location has adequate lighting. Some thieves out there are technologically inclined and use skimming devices to steal your information so if someone looks suspicious then find another machine. - Post-Withdrawal
Don’t put your guard down just because you are done taking your funds from the ATM. Stay aware if you are on the street; someone could be following you. If you think that you are being tailed, then stay drop into a busy store with lots of people and call the police immediately.
