ATM and Checkcard Safety
Friday, January 20, 2012 10:40 am | 01/20/2012 10:40 am
1. Protect your card just as you would cash, checks or credit cards. Always keep your card in a safe place. Don't allow anyone to use your card.
2. Keep your PIN a secret. To ensure confidentiality, memorize your PIN. Dont' write your PIN on your card, its carrier or other papers in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN and don't let anyone enter your PIN for you.
3. Never give information to anyone about your card over the telephone. No one should know your PIN. The bank will never call to verify your PIN, so do not reveal your number to anyone claiming to be a bank representative.
4. Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card ready. When you've completed your transaction, take your money, your card and receipt, and leave the area.
5. Be courteous and keep an adequate distance between yourself and other customers. When you're waiting to use a terminal, allow the customer in front of you to complete his/her transactions before you approach the terminal. Also, stand in front of the keyboard, to block the view of anyone behind you, while entering your PIN.
6. Check your ATM receipts against your monthly statement to guard against fraud. Notify your bank immediately if you suspect any unauthorized transactions.
7. Always observe the surroundings at an ATM before conducting a transaction. Observe the area before approaching. If you see anything or anyone suspicious, leave the area immediately.
8. When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, the doors locked and your windows up until you approach the terminal. It's also a good idea to keep a distance between cars should you need to leave the area quickly.
9. When using a drive-up ATM at night, keep your headlights on so you will be able to see the area as you drive in. Try to pull your car up as close to the terminal as possible. Keep in mind locations of other ATM's if you're concerned about your safety when using a terminal.
10. Be alert and select a visible well-lit area when you're handling transactions at night. If an ATM is obstructed or poorly lit report any problem to the financial institution. If you're concerned about your safety while using an ATM take a friend with you to the terminal, or consider using another ATM site such as a drive-up ATM or an ATM at a 24-hour convenience store.
11. Report a lost or stolen card at once.
12. If anyone follows you after conducting a transaction, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the Police.
Remember your personal safety is priority, first and foremost.
