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Keep Secure Near ATM Machines

ATM machines have become part our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the move, but at the same time have an element of risk. Using a bank ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because a bank ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is always safe to operate it.

ATM Crime Considerations
Most ATM crimes occur at night between 7pm and midnight while the machine only produces a fraction of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the ATMs process only 11% of the total daily customers but suffer the majority of the crime.

Who Are the Crooks?
Bank ATM thieves are generally males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM thieves usually position themselves nearby and wait for a person to come along and take out cash. Many ATM theft victims are women and many are alone when robbed. Most claim that they never saw the suspect coming. Most ATM crooks used a gun or claimed to have a hidden weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

Pick a Secure Location
Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-visibility areas. ATMs inside busy stores are considered safer. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden like those located behind buildings, behind pillars, dark lobbies, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown areas. ATM thieves like to surprise you and want no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby highway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.

Get a list of ATM locations from your bank branch and keep it in your car. Pick an ATM that looks and feels safer, even if it is out of your way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you at night, if you can. When you come up on an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious that is lurking nearby or sitting alone in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your ATM card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and don't write it down. 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 person while at the machine.

Be Alert
If anybody suspicious or looking dangerous comes up stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "get away" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to get away. It is far easier to apologize later or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery victim. When you get your cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.

If you use your car at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same tips apply. Be sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious people loitering nearby. If there are, listen to your inner instinct and drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in drive, 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 notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed thief, just give up your cash without argument. The cash is not worth serious harm or worse. Get to a safe place and call the police right away.

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