When you bank electronically at ATMs, it is a fast, easy way to make cash withdrawals, check your account balances, and transfer funds between accounts.  As convenient as it is to use ATMs to conduct financial transactions, you must make security a priority.  The following are some steps you can take to make ATM security your business.

Keep Your ATM Card Secure

Treat your ATM card like cash.
    Your ATM card should always be kept in a safe place.  To protect your 
    card’s magnetic stripe, it is a good idea to keep it in a card sleeve.

Keep your personal identification number a secret.
    Your ATM card works only with your PIN.  Choose a code that does not 
    include dates of birth, parts of your social security number, addresses or
    phone numbers.

    Once you have chosen your code, memorize it.  Never write it on or store
    it with your card.  Never tell your code to anyone or let him or her enter
    your code for you.

Take your receipt with you.  
    It should not be left at or near the ATM machine.
     Every time you make an ATM transaction, you can get a receipt.  Be sure
     to verify each transaction by checking the receipts against your monthly
     statements.  This guards against ATM fraud.

Never give out any information about your ATM card over the telephone. 
    There is never any reason for anyone to know your  
    personal identification number, not even your financial institution.

Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
    To reduce the chance that a lost or stolen card will be used improperly, 
    report a lost or stolen card right away.  You will be issued another card.

Security At Walk-Up ATMs

Be aware of your surroundings before making an ATM transaction.
    Park as close as possible to the ATM when you drive to an ATM.  Observe
     the surrounding area from your car before getting out of it.  If you see
     anyone or anything that looks suspicious, leave the area immediately.

If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM.
    Make the financial institution that operates the ATM aware of the 
    conditions, if possible.
    It’s a good idea to take a friend or companion along with you when you
    make an ATM transaction, especially after dark.

Have your card out and ready to use to minimize time spent at the ATM.
    Never let anyone see how much cash you withdrew.  Never count your
    money while you are at the ATM.  You should never let a person unknown
    to you help you with an ATM transaction, even if you are having trouble or
    your card is stuck. 

Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal.
    By doing so, others cannot see your personal identification number or
    your transaction amount.

When you have completed your transaction, take your cash, card, and receipt.
    Immediately move away from the terminal.

If you see anyone suspicious while you are conducting a transaction, cancel it and leave immediately.
    If anyone follows you after you make an ATM transaction, go right 
    away to a crowded, well-lit area.  Call the police.

Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to the ATM.
    If the ATM looks different or appears to have any attachments over
    the card slot or PIN pad, do not use the ATM.  If possible, contact 
    the financial institution.

Security at Drive-Up ATMs

While waiting in line at a drive-up ATM, keep your doors locked and the windows rolled up.  Keep your engine running as well.

If possible, leave enough room between cars for a quick exit should it become necessary. 

Go to another ATM if an ATM is obstructed from view or lit poorly.
    Report the problem to the financial institution that operates the ATM if
    possible. 

Observe the area around you before you roll down your window to make a transaction. 
    If you see anything suspicious, drive away at once.

Have your card out and ready to use to minimize the time spent at the ATM.
    When your transaction is completed, take your cash, card and receipt and
    immediately drive away from the terminal.  If, while you are conducting
    your transaction, anyone or anything seems suspicious, cancel your
    transaction and drive away immediately.

If anyone follows you after you have made your ATM transaction, drive immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.

By following these guidelines, you will improve your security whenever you use an ATM.  Do you have questions about ATM security?  Please ask us.