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Because of the variety of
ATMs, the unique characteristics of each
installation, and crime considerations at each
location, no single formula can guarantee the
security of ATM customers. Therefore, it is
necessary for ATM customers to consider the
environment around each ATM and various
procedures for remaining safe when using an
ATM.
Criminals select their
victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or
unprepared. Criminals are also drawn to
environmental conditions that enhance the
opportunity to successfully complete their
crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can
have a tremendous effect on potential
assailants. There are a number of things you can
do to increase your personal security and reduce
your risk of becoming an ATM crime victim.
The following crime
prevention tips can help make the use of ATM’s
safer for everyone.
- Walk purposefully and
with confidence. Give the appearance that
you are totally aware of your surroundings
- Be aware of your total
environment and what is going on around you.
Criminals tend to avoid people who have this
type of demeanor
- Perform mental exercises
and think out what you would do in different
crime or personal security situations
- Follow your instincts. If
you feel you are in danger, respond
immediately. Remember that your personal
safety is the first priority
ATM Selection
Considerations
The law sets minimum
standards for ATM lighting, procedures for
evaluating the safety of ATM's and requires
notices to ATM users outlining basic safety
precautions for using ATM's. Although ATM
environmental design issues are covered in the
law, there are other considerations that an ATM
customer needs to consider prior to selecting
and using an ATM. For example:
-
Do not select an ATM
at the corner of a building. Corners
create a blind area in close proximity to
the customer's transaction. Select an ATM
located near the center of a building. An
ATM further from the corner reduces the
element of surprise by an assailant and
increases effective reaction time by the
user
-
Identify an ATM with
maximum natural surveillance and
visibility from the surrounding area. This
will create a perceived notion of
detection by a criminal and increases the
potential for witnesses
-
Select an ATM at a
location void of barriers blocking the
line of sight of the ATM. This includes
shrubbery, landscaping, signs and
decorative partitions or dividers.
Barriers provide hiding areas for would-be
assailants
-
Select an ATM that is
in a well-lighted location
-
Whenever possible,
select an ATM that is monitored or
patrolled by a security officer
-
Select an ATM with a
wide-angle transaction camera and/or a
continuous transaction surveillance
camera. Consult the bank or location
management for this information
-
Solicit prior criminal
activity statistics from law enforcement
for the ATM site and surrounding
neighborhood
-
Avoid ATM locations
with large perimeter parking lots and
numerous ingress and egress points
Considerations Prior To
and During Transactions
- Always watch for
suspicious persons or activity around an
ATM. Be aware of anyone sitting in a
parked car in close proximity to or at a
distance from the ATM location
- If you notice anything
strange, leave and return some other time.
Even if you have already started a
transaction, cancel it and leave.
- Maintain a small supply
of deposit envelopes at home, in your car or
office. Prepare all transaction paperwork
prior to your arrival at the ATM site. This
will minimize the amount of time spent at
the ATM
- Maintain an awareness of
your surroundings throughout the entire
transaction. Do not become so involved with
your transaction that you are not aware of
changing conditions in the area
- Do not wear expensive
jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM.
This is an added incentive to an assailant
- If you get cash - put it
away right immediately. Do not stand
at the ATM and count it
- Never accept offers of
assistance with the ATM from strangers; ask
the bank for help
- Never lend your ATM card
to anyone; treat it as if were cash or a
credit card
- If you use a drive-up
ATM, ascertain your vehicle doors and
windows are locked
- During evening hours
consider taking a companion along, park
close to the ATM in a well lighted area and
lock your car. If the lights around
the ATM are not working properly, do not use
it
- When leaving an ATM
location make sure you are not being
followed. If you are being followed, drive
immediately to a police, sheriff or fire
station, crowded area, well-lighted location
or open business. Flash your lights and
sound your horn to bring attention to your
situation
- If you are involved in a
confrontation and the attacker is armed with
a weapon and demands your money or
valuables, GIVE IT TO THE SUSPECT.
Do not resist, property may be
recovered later or replaced
Fraud Considerations
- Memorize your Personal
Identification Number (PIN). Do not write it
down or keep it in your wallet or purse. Do
not tell anyone else your PIN ANYONE !!
(including bank employees, the police, etc.)
- Shield the ATM keypad
from anyone who may be standing or parked
nearby or anyone crowding you in an attempt
to view your PIN and/or transaction.
Use your body as a shield if necessary while
you enter your access code
- Make sure you retain your
transaction receipt. Do not throw the
receipt away at the ATM site
- The National Consumers
League has opened a toll-free number to
provide information on ATM frauds and scams.
The
National Fraud Information Center at
1-800-876-7060 employs counselors who will
refer consumers to the proper agency for
reporting a fraud or scam
- Immediately report any
stolen or lost ATM card to the proper
entities
As far as your security is
concerned, you can never be too careful, too
prepared or too aware. Share this information
with family and friends. Schedule family
discussions and practice regularly to ensure
that everyone you know is safe and informed.
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