| The ATM is very convenient, as it reduces the need | | | | stranger crowd you or try to view your transaction. |
| to stand in endless lines at the bank to withdraw | | | | If you see suspicious behavior, cancel your |
| some cash. Open 24-7, the ATM makes it easy to | | | | transaction, walk away, and use a different ATM. |
| access your money whenever the need strikes. | | | | Avoid ATMs located near hedges or other hiding |
| Today, these machines are located virtually | | | | places. |
| everywhere, from malls and grocery stores to | | | | 4. Be ready before you reach the machine. It's |
| parking lots on nearly every street. Most people | | | | always a bad idea to fumble in your purse or wallet, |
| simply accept using the ATM as a routine in their life. | | | | looking for your debit card, while you're standing next |
| However, there is a disadvantage to constantly | | | | to the ATM. Have the card out and ready to use |
| turning to an ATM. Unfortunately, ATM robberies are | | | | long before you reach the machine. Don't forget to fill |
| relatively simple to pull off, and that makes them an | | | | out any paperwork you need, such as deposit slips, |
| attractive crime. Too many people use the ATM with | | | | before it's your turn to use the ATM. |
| hardly a thought, certainly never stopping to consider | | | | 5. Protect your PIN. These days, most people know |
| how dangerous it might be. To avoid being robbed as | | | | not to give their PIN numbers out to anyone, but far |
| you are using the ATM, consider the following seven | | | | to many people use an easy to remember number |
| safety tips: | | | | like their birth date or the last 4 digits of their social |
| 1. Avoid using the ATM after dark. Yes, having an | | | | security number. If your wallet is stolen, you can bet |
| ATM that allows withdrawals 24/7 can be very | | | | that these are the first numbers the thief will try. |
| convenient, but it's not very safe. Statistics show | | | | Never carry your PIN number with your card, and |
| that most ATM robberies happen between 7pm and | | | | always use your body or hand to shield your PIN if |
| 4am. Criminals know that the reason you're pulling up | | | | there are people in line behind you at the ATM. |
| to the ATM is to get cash. Those with cash in hand | | | | 6. Be ready to protect yourself. Most victims of an |
| in the middle of the night tend to be targets for | | | | ATM robbery never see it coming and have no way |
| theft. Avoid withdrawing cash late at night for any | | | | to defend themselves. By carrying a self defense |
| reason. If you must use the ATM at night, choose a | | | | product, such as a stun gun or canister of pepper |
| location inside a grocery store or any other store | | | | spray, you are much less likely to become the victim |
| that is still open and well-lit. | | | | of an attack, whether it's an ATM robbery or a |
| 2. Avoid going alone. Try to time your ATM trips so | | | | random street assault. |
| that you're already out and about with someone else. | | | | 7. Leave quickly. Never count your cash as you're still |
| Criminals tend to target those who use the ATM | | | | standing at the ATM. This is just asking for trouble! |
| alone, because they will be less able to fight back. | | | | Instead, walk back to your car quickly, get in and |
| 3. Be aware of your surroundings. Using the ATM is | | | | lock the doors, and drive away. You can count your |
| one of the most important times to be aware of | | | | cash once you're safely away form the ATM. |
| what's going on around you. Watch for people | | | | By following these tips, you can safeguard your |
| loitering around the ATM or sitting in their car | | | | personal safety and your hard-earned cash, reducing |
| watching people using the machine. Never let a | | | | the risks of an ATM robbery. |