Withdrawing money from an ATM can be a bit risky if you aren’t careful. If you want to cut down on any of the instances that might put you at risk here are some tips that you’ll want to keep in mind. By being aware of possible dangers and taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself, you’ll be safe.
Keep Your Pin Private
Never share your PIN number with anyone. If you receive texts or emails that ask you to provide your PIN number, those are scams. Ignore them.
Be Alert
Pay attention to your surroundings. If you’re withdrawing at night, are there any lights around? If that isn’t the case, look for another cash machine. Choose one in a well-lighted area. Keep in mind that criminals like to hide in the shadows. If the ATM is in a location where it’ll be easy to ambush you from a corner, skip that and move elsewhere.
Look for Crowds
It’s ideal to pick an ATM machine that’s in a crowded area. That reduces the chances of you getting robbed. Thieves are less likely to target you when there are tons of other people milling around.
Bring a Friend
It’s a good idea to bring along a buddy. That's one way to deter any criminal interest that robbers might take in you. A lot of petty thieves target potential victims who seem easy to handle. If you’re with a friend, then you’re not as vulnerable. They’ll move on to the next potential victim instead.
Have Your Card Ready
If there’s a line, have your card ready. Make sure that by the time it’s your turn, you won’t have to go through the motions of having to get the card out of your bag. Being ready means less time spent outside. Getting this done in as few minutes as possible is essential.
Wait Until You Count Your Money
Are you the type to step aside after you’ve used the ATM and count your money? Don’t do that. You’re in an exposed and open area. Anyone could be watching you. Instead, head over to your car and make sure your windows are rolled up before you count.
Check for a Card Skimmer
Is there a device that seems attached to the payment terminal? That could be a card skimmer which criminals use to steal your credit card information. If you see any signs of one, report that to the personnel of the bank right away.
Take the Receipts
If glitches happen, then you’ll want to make sure you have proof of your transactions. That’s why it’s always best to keep the receipts. Request for one every time you withdraw money.
Look for Signs
Always check the ATM for any signs that it’s been tampered with. If you think that it’s not safe to use, don’t hesitate to talk to the bank’s personnel to inform them of that problem. Do the same if you find that the unit doesn’t seem to be working right. Spare other customers the trouble by alerting the bank about the unit’s glitches and issues.