Despite the convenience that ATMs provide, using them safely is crucial.
There were more than 470,135 automated teller machines (ATMs) in the United States as of 2018 (the most recent data available), including 191,741 held by banks and 278,394 independently owned.
While ATMs make it quick and easy to withdraw money, check balances, and complete other activities, they can also be the target of criminal activity. The United States does not frequently compile national statistics on crime involving ATMs. However, according to Claims Journal, Travelers Insurance recorded a 220% spike in “smash and grab” ATM thefts from 2019 to 2020. Safety is more crucial than ever as the COVID-19 pandemic changes the banking landscape to promote using ATMs more frequently rather than going to the teller window.
- Although they provide a convenient means to access your money, ATMs can also become a target for thieves.
- You can safeguard yourself when using an ATM from your bank or another supplier by becoming familiar with some basic safety and security procedures.
- ATMs can also be used to defraud bank customers out of their money or personal information, in addition to becoming the target of direct criminal attacks.
- To prevent losses from unauthorized charges, it’s critical to notify your bank immediately if you suspect ATM fraud.
How to Use ATMs Safely
Using common sense is the first step to ATM safety. Here are some of the most crucial safety advice for using ATMs, keeping that in mind.
- Be aware of where you are. Knowing where you are is the first step to visiting an ATM safely. For instance, it might be safer to use an ATM that is located in a busy, well-lit area rather than one that is hidden away in a dimly lighted area. Be mindful of any blind spots that can obscure a thief from view, such as corners or alcoves.
- Utilize the ATM at your bank whenever possible. Free-standing ATMs, like those you might find in supermarkets or shopping centers, may be simpler for thieves to tamper with than ATMs that are located inside your bank. Criminals could be able to attach equipment that can steal your account number or personal identification number (PIN), for instance. If the ATM is not easily accessible to non-customers or is being watched by bank security cameras, using it on-site could reduce some of the dangers.
- Examine the device. When utilizing an ATM that doesn’t belong to your bank, quickly inspect it to check for anything that doesn’t seem right. A red flag that an ATM has been tampered with is if the keypad appears loose or unstable, a key sticks, or the on-screen instructions differ from what you’re used to seeing at an ATM.
- If there are built-in security mechanisms, use them. Choose the ATM at your bank if it is inside a secured vestibule that you must enter with your card rather than one that anybody can access by foot or car. Make sure the door shuts after you and don’t let anyone in who begs you to let them in but doesn’t have a card.
- Take a step back. Keep some space between you and others when using the ATM in a public area. Nobody should stand just behind you since they could be able to see your PIN as you type it. And if you write your PIN on the back of your card, don’t do it. If you lose your card, this could make you a target for theft.
- Observe your surroundings carefully. Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. Consider those who appear to be lingering near the machine or frequently passing it, for instance. When you exit the ATM, be cautious of anyone who could be sitting in a parked car and any vehicles that seem to be following you.
- At the drive-through, be cautious. Keep your doors closed and the engine running if you approach a drive-through ATM. Keep all of the windows open besides the one you are currently using to access the computer. Even if the ATM steals your card and won’t give it back, never get out of the car.
- Avoid lingering. Think through your needs before going to the ATM so you can enter and exit as fast as feasible. Prepare your deposit envelope at home if you need to make a deposit to avoid waiting in line at the ATM. Wait until you can go to a safe area before counting money while you are standing close to the machine. Wait until you’ve returned to your car and closed the doors, for instance, if you drove to the ATM. Don’t worry if you have to wait until you get home. The bank should comprehend the delay in reporting an error because it is aware of the security issues associated with ATMs.
- Organize your receipts. Any ATM transactions you make should be documented with a receipt, which you should later compare to your bank statements. If you used your debit or ATM card at a machine you don’t typically use, this can assist you identify errors or possible fraud. Never leave a receipt behind (it can also help you get fees for using an ATM that isn’t your bank’s repaid). You can frequently ask to have your receipt sent through email.
- Embrace your gut feeling. Trust your instinct if something seems odd regarding an ATM, a transaction, or someone nearby. Reject the deal and leave right away. If you believe you are being followed, go to a busy store or hotel lobby that is safe for the public and call 911 if the individual is still there. Drive to the nearest police station if you’re in a car.
What to Do If Your ATM or Debit Card Is Stolen
If an ATM or debit card is taken and the perpetrator is able to access your accounts, you could be financially responsible. It’s critical to notify the bank right once if your card is lost or stolen. This can lessen your legal responsibility for losses.
As you can see, the greater liability you end up having for any unlawful withdrawals or transactions, the longer you wait to notify a lost or stolen ATM or debit card. You can think about using a credit card rather than a debit card when making transactions because credit cards can provide more liability protection.
You must also notify the authorities if a stolen ATM or debit card was the result of a robbery at an ATM. Giving law officials as much information as you can about the person who swiped your card is crucial to identifying the culprit.
A Final Tip
Finding alternative methods to handle banking transactions is the last piece of advice for remaining safe at the ATM. For instance, if you need to deposit a check, you might utilize a drive-up teller window or, if your bank has it, a mobile check deposit option. You could use the person-to-person payment option offered by your bank to send money to a buddy if you need to repay them. Because you won’t need to use ATMs as frequently, thinking along these lines can help you lower your risk of being targeted at one. Such qualities should be considered when looking for the best checking accounts.
How Can Using an ATM Be Unsafe?
An ATM can be tampered with by a criminal to obtain your PIN or account number. Because of this, using one inside a bank is preferable to using a free-standing one at a mall or store. Additionally, if you decide to count money at the ATM, you run the risk of being physically robbed of your money in poorly lit, less-trafficked areas. Wait until you are in a secure location, like your locked home or automobile, to make the move.
If My ATM or Debit Card Is Stolen, What Am I Liable for?
Even if a charge is approved after your report, you are not responsible for anything if you report it before any charges are filed. You could be charged up to $50 if you don’t report it within two business days after the theft. You could be charged up to $500 if you report it more than two business days but less than 60 calendar days after it happened. After that, including money taken from other accounts connected to the card, you are responsible for the whole amount of the theft.
Does Entering My PIN Backward Call the Police?
No. This is a misconception that is frequently spread online. Don’t rely on shady websites and social media accounts for your information; instead, use better, more reliable sources.
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