In a number of cases criminals will monitor bank machines and ATM machines for unsuspecting patrons. Most of the thieves and criminals who engage in this type of crime have discovered that it is very easy to steal information from or directly rob ATM customers. However vigilant you may be, these tips will assist you to avoid some of the most common scams.
These three tips will help assist you to increase your safety while using any ATM for the withdrawal of cash.
Tip One: Pay attention to your surroundings when you use an ATM.
People using drive-through ATM machines and also those using standalone ATM machines can be targeted by criminals even in broad daylight. Even if there are a great many people in the vicinity, it will not matter if the ATM you are using does not have anyone next to you. If a person approaches you, it is unlikely that anyone will pay attention to you or consider involving themselves.
No one will see anything unusual if you do not call for help, but you may be unable to do this if you’re threatened with a gun. Many people have been taught that it is impolite to stare or pay too much attention to an individual using their ATM. The majority of honest people will do this from instinct.
Tip Two: Don’t ignore the people in line behind you.
Quite often a person planning to rob you will pretend like they are engaged in an in-depth cell phone conversation. This is a common tactic used in order for the thief to more closely approach you. It is not difficult for the crook to take a quick photo or video of your bank-card and PIN transaction if they have gotten close enough to you. When they have done this, both your PIN number and your ATM card number will be in their possession. This is the only thing they have to have in order to access your accounts with a copy of your bank-card.
Tip Three: Don’t forget to be aware of the person using the ATM before you as well.
In many cases a thief will be standing in front, apparently attempting to access their own ATM account. However hard they may try, the thief will not be able to get their ATM card work, and they’ll pretend like they are a little confused, and sometimes distraught. They will inform you courteously that the ATM does not work for them, but you will still try to use it. You will of course have no problems accessing your account. The thief will of course have been in line behind you the whole time, and once you leave the machine they will again try to use their card in the ATM.
Due to the fact that the thief had a problem your successful use of the ATM fixed, there will be a temporary bond of trust between you. Because of this trust, the thief will have stolen both your card PIN number, and your bank account number. In fact, the theft was allowed more by you than the thief. The criminal will have access now to your entire bank account, having abused your good nature and trust in order to steal from you.