How to avoid robbery - real and virtual - while using an ATM

Following these safety tips will make you a "hard target" for criminals and decrease the likelihood you'll have a bad experience while using an ATM.

• Protecting your ATM/check card
• Using an ATM
• Special precautions for using an ATM at night

Protecting your ATM/check card

• Protect your ATM/check card and keep it in a safe place, just as if you would cash, credit cards, or checks.
• Do not leave your ATM card lying around the house or on your desk at work. No one should have access to the card but you.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) confidential. Memorize it. NEVER write it down!
• Never give any information about your ATM card or PIN over to the telephone. For example, if you receive a call, supposedly from your financial institution or the police, wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Notify the (real) police immediately and your financial institution.

Using an ATM

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine.
• Have your ATM/check card ready and in your hand as your approach the ATM.
• Be careful that no one can see you enter your PIN at an ATM or in a store. Use your body and free hand to "shield" the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN.
• Keep your account information confidential by taking your receipts or transaction records with you.
• Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.
• Be sure to take your card from the machine and place it in your pocket or purse before leaving.
• If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car, lock your car.
• If you are using an ATM in a vestibule, close the entry door completely upon entering and exiting. Do not linger at the machine or in the vestibule.
• Never put your card into or run it through a device that claims to clean your card!
• Never use an ATM or card reader that appears to be altered.
• Report immediately to your financial institution whenever your card is rejected or captured by an ATM or card reader; deactivate the card if necessary.
• Only use an ATM with known institution logos affixed. 

Special precautions for using an ATM at night

• Park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area.
• Take another person with you, if possible.
• Try to use an ATM that is accessible from a vehicle, rather than those only accessible while on foot.
• If the lights at the ATM are not working, do not use it.
• If shrubbery has overgrown or a tree blocks the view, select another ATM and notify your financial institution.