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Withdrawing money from an ATM is a quick and convenient way to access your money, especially during a cash emergency. The usage of ATMs has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Be a wise to adopt a safety-conscious approach when making any kind of cash withdrawal.
Check the ATM machine before using it
You may not have time to thoroughly check an ATM before inserting your card, but there are a few quick and simple things you can do
- Only use ATMs situated in well-lit and busy areas, particularly after nightfall. Preferably, use an ATM located indoors, in a bank or building society branch, or one that is monitored by CCTV. Try to steer clear of machines that have been vandalised or mistreated.
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Check over the cash machine. If you have suspicions that a machine may have been tampered with, avoid using the machine and report your concerns to the machine’s owner immediately. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of other people falling foul of potential fraudsters.
Take a friend with you
ATM fraudsters aren’t restricted to technology-based scams. There is also the possibility of being tricked into revealing your PIN to a stranger, or being mugged.
- If you feel uneasy about taking cash from a machine in a certain area, take a friend with you.
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If you spot anyone loitering around an ATM looking suspicious, report them immediately to the police.
Protect your PIN
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Always place your hand over the keypad to act as a shield while inputting your PIN.
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Avoid inputting your PIN if there are people too close to you and never reveal your PIN to anyone, not even bank staff.
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Never write down your PIN as a note in your wallet or handbag.
Never accept help from strangers
It doesn’t matter how friendly or gallant someone may appear, never accept help from strangers.
- If your card gets stuck in a machine, do not leave it there. Report it immediately using your mobile phone.
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If you brought a friend along with you to withdraw cash, one of you can remain at the ATM while the other goes to report it.
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Never reveal your PIN to anyone, not even if they claim to work for your bank, the owner of the machine, the local authorities or the police.
Don’t withdraw cash after drinking alcohol
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Try to withdraw all the cash you need at the beginning of an evening out.
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Alcohol impairs your judgement and can make you less likely to spot a correct cash machine.
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Alcohol consumption can also make you more trusting of ‘helpful’ strangers.
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If you’re a bit tipsy, there is also the risk that you won’t remember to withdraw your card or that you will leave some cash in the machine.
Check ATM receipts against your bank statements
Sometimes even the most cautious people can get caught out by fraudsters.
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Your bank or building society should compensate any losses, but the onus will be on you to report it.
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Check all cash withdrawals against your bank statement and keep receipts from the ATM to check back against your statement.
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Always select ‘yes’ if a cash machine asks if you require a receipt. Doing so will mean you have evidence of the transaction in the event of making a claim to your bank or building society.
A lot of shops and bars now allow you to withdraw cash without the need for you to go to an ATM machine. It’s always worth asking if this service is available and whether you will incur any charges for doing so.
Source : https://moneyfacts.co.uk/guides/credit-cards/7-ways-to-stay-safe-when-using-atms/ |
