Financial Fitness/ ATM safety

Photo:

Susan Graves

Whether you're traveling or just down the street, ATM safety is very important. Financial institutions go to great lengths to prevent robberies and fraud at cash dispensing machines.

They place ATMs in safe locations, light them well, and use a variety of security measures. Many credit unions and banks also limit the amount of cash that can be withdrawn each day so that a thief can't clean out an account. Use the Ten Tips for ATM Safety & Security below to help make your ATM transactions safe and trouble free.

Ten Tips for ATM Safety

• Treat your ATM card like cash. Always keep your card in a safe place.
• Keep your PIN (Personal Identification Number) a secret. Never write your PIN on your card, don’t store it near your card and don’t tell anyone your PIN number.
• Always pay close attention to the ATM and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Watch for suspicious persons or activity around an ATM.
• If you notice anything strange, leave and return some other time. If you have already started a transaction, cancel it and leave.
• Minimize time spent at the ATM machine by having your card out and ready. Maintain a small supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM.
• Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Don’t accept offers of assistance with the ATM from a stranger.
• Never count cash at the ATM or in public. Put it away immediately.
• When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running and your doors locked.
• Keep your transaction receipt. Do not throw it away at the ATM site.
• If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands money, COMPLY. Do not resist. Notify police.

This information is provided by Oxford Federal Credit Union as general information, and is not intended as financial advice. If you have a financial question you would like answered email it to marketer@ofcu.org.