Approaching the ATM

• At a drive-up ATM, keep all windows closed, except the one you are using, and all vehicle doors locked. Keep the vehicle running and be watchful of the vehicle’s front, rear and sides. If someone approaches your vehicle on foot, cancel the transaction and leave.
• If you drive to the ATM and they exit your vehicle to use the ATM, lock all of the vehicle doors after you exit it. Then, keep your keys handy so you can re-enter your vehicle quickly after completing your transaction.
• When approaching the ATM, be alert for anything suspicious, especially two or more people in a nearby vehicle, particularly if no one else is at the ATM, or someone appears to be “hanging” around the area.
• Never approach an ATM if the lights at the site are not working.
• Particularly after dark, take a companion along to the ATM, if at all possible, and park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid using ATM’s with obscuring bushes around them, again, particularly after dark.

Using the ATM

• When waiting in line to use the ATM, wait well behind the person(s) ahead of you, and do not approach the ATM until they complete their transaction.
• When you are using the ATM and someone is closer to you than you would like them to be, ask them politely and tactfully to step back a few steps. If they do not do so, cancel your transaction and wait in your locked vehicle or other safe location until that person leaves —— or possibly go to another ATM.
• Before you approach the ATM, have your card ready, know your code and if anything such as a deposit slip needs to be filled out, have it completed. If making a deposit and you do not have a deposit envelope, obtain one from the storage section of the ATM and fill it out in your locked vehicle or other safe locations before you return to the ATM.
• Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your PIN. Do not write your PIN on your ATM card or carry your PIN in your wallet or purse.
• Select a PIN that is different from other numbers noted in your wallet or purse, such as your address, birth date, telephone or social security number.
• When using the ATM, stand directly in front of the keyboard, blocking the view of others. Do not enter the PIN if anyone else can see the screen.

Never stand and count your money. You can count it later. If your transaction is inaccurate, you cannot discuss it with the machine. Thus, there is no need to count your money at the ATM and risk exposing yourself to a would-be criminal.

• ATM robberies often occur after the patron has completed their transaction. Always have your head up and be aware of your surroundings when you leave an ATM. If you feel or sense someone is following you, walk or drive to the nearest open business or where there are a lot of people and call the police.

Never tell your access code or PIN to anyone!

Never lend your ATM card to anyone; treat it like cash or a credit card.

• If you lose, misplace or have your ATM card stolen, notify the card issuer immediately. If you report an ATM card missing before it is used without your permission, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized withdrawals. If unauthorized use occurs before you report it, the amount you can be held responsible for depends upon how quickly you report the loss to the card issuer.
• Consider buying a card registration service. Many companies offer card registration and protection services that will notify all companies where you have credit and ATM card accounts in case your card is lost or stolen. With this service, you make only one telephone call to report all card losses instead of calling each card issuer individually. Also, most card registration services will request replacement cards on your behalf.