When it comes to the security of your financial transactions, most of the focus is on online scams and theft—and rightly so. However, it's important to maintain vigilance at physical locations like ATMs as well.
The good news is that there are techniques you can utilize to help make ATM use safe and secure.
1. Select the right ATM
When possible, use an ATM operated by your financial institution at a location familiar to you. If this isn't an option, try to choose a machine in a well-lit area not obscured by trees, bushes, or other objects that could be used by a thief to hide behind.
Avoid making transactions during the nighttime. If possible, try to wait until the sun is up.
Scan the area around the ATM when you arrive. If someone is lurking nearby and doesn't seem to have a particular purpose for being there, consider finding another ATM.
2. Safeguard yourself at the machine
Try to make ATM transactions with a family member or friend when possible. Criminals are less likely to target someone who's got a partner looking out for them.
Its natural to want to count your money after taking a withdrawal, but doing so can give a crook an idea of how much money you took out while providing them extra time to approach you with ill intent.
Take your receipt with you. While the little piece of paper doesn't have all your personal information, it does contain bits of data fraudsters can use to steal your identity.
3. Spot skimming scams
Skimmers are devices criminals attach to ATMs and other card-reading terminals to harvest sensitive information and fraudulently access accounts. So stay on the lookout for the following signs that the ATM may have been tampered with. If you see an ATM that matches these descriptions, report it to the machine's owner and find another ATM to use.
Loose plastic casing
Misaligned pieces
Sticky residue or tape
Stiff buttons
Wobbly keypad
Cracked or damaged housing
Oversized card slot
Oddly-colored plastic around the card slot
Unusual on-screen instructions
In general, ATMs are safe to use and the tips above are something to keep in mind to secure yourself and your information. As a safety best practice, it is also important to monitor your accounts online and keep track of where you store your physical ATM or debit card.
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