Everyday in the local news and papers, you hear about crimes at the ATMs.
Since the advent of ATMs, the convenience of obtaining cash 24/7 brings with it, the compromise of personal safety.
Very simply, a robber, intent on quick cash, needs only to stake out a local ATM to commit their robbery.
Regrettably, a shooting of someone for his or her cash can easily change a robbery into a murder.
Drug abusers who need money to buy more drugs commit many of these robberies.
Not only are they desperate, but also are often sociopaths who have no regard for human life.
Many of these robberies are committed in areas with low traffic and are poorly illuminated.
Next time you use an ATM, do a quick assessment of the area to see if it meets this criteria.
You would be surprised! ATMs at, or inside banks are often the safest.
Often ATMs at sports arenas, airports and malls are often equally safe.
By planning ahead and using common sense, you can minimize your chance of being victimized.
The following tips are provided to make your transaction at the ATM as safe as possible.
1.
Try to pay a considerate amount of attention to the ATM and its surroundings.
Use an ATM close to the center of a building, not in a corner.
Corners are known for creating blind spots where someone can hide and easily escape after the robbery.
Try to do your automatic banking in a well-lit, public area that is free of shrubbery, partitions or dividers.
These are designed to be creative and decorative, but they also serve as hiding areas for a robber.
2.
While conducting the transaction, constantly maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire time.
Be cautious of people who offer to help you with your ATM transactions.
Check to see if anyone is sitting in a parked car nearby.
When you do leave the ATM, make sure you are not being followed.
If you suspect that you are being followed, proceed immediately to a police or fire station, or to a well-lighted crowded public location or business.
3.
Don't use an ATM that appears different looking or displays options that you have never seen before.
There is illicit technology that slips over and integrates with an ATM's card reader, and designed to read and record all the information about your card, including pin number and 3-4-digit security codes.
These machines are used for identity theft and unauthorized ordering of goods on the internet.
4.
Never allow people to look over your shoulder while you enter your personal identification number (PIN).
Memorize your PIN; do not write it on the back of your card.
Never re-enter your PIN if the ATM consumes or retains your card.
If it does, contact your bank that issues the card to place an immediate stop on the card.
5.
Try not to wear expensive or "flashy" jewelry while using an ATM.
This serves as an added incentive to a robber, who may do anything to grab or take your jewelry.
6.
Make sure you wait until you re-enter your car and drive to a safe place before you count your cash.
DO NOT COUNT CASH in PUBLIC! 7.
Always have enough deposit envelopes at home to quickly conduct your transaction, minimizing the time that you are there.
Fill out the paperwork prior to arriving at the ATM.
8.
When using a drive-through lane, keep your engine running, doors locked and keep enough distance between the front of your car and the back of the car in front of you.
This is to afford you the ability to maneuver around the car in front; thereby facilitating an avenue of escape.
9.
Closely monitor your bank statements, either on line or through monthly statements for transaction you may not have made.
Immediately report any problems to your bank.
10.
If someone confronts you and demands money, COMPLY.
Property can be replaced, your life cannot! By following these simple measures, you should significantly reduce your chances of being robbed, or worst.
Next time you do read or hear about a robbery at an ATM, see how these measures could have had an impact on the outcome.
Crimes are often referred to as "crimes of opportunity".
Take the "opportunity" out of your daily events to enhance your safety.