Family Credit Counseling Service

ATM Safety Tips

  1. When using an ATM at night, bring a friend or find a machine in a well-lit area such as a bank, credit union, or grocery store. The risk of being robbed at an ATM increases after dark.
  2. Take the time to memorize your PIN number. Carrying it with you will only increase the chance that your money will be stolen if a thief takes your purse or wallet.
  3. Do not dispose of your receipt near the ATM. It could contain information that a theif may use to find out more about you and your accounts. Even the last four digits of your account number can pose a risk to your security.
  4. Examine the ATM for unusual devices or attachments. Criminals can attach a card skimmer over the original skimmer to steal information from the magnetic strip on the back of your card. Hidden cameras can be positioned to record your PIN number.
  5. Consider avoiding the ATM altogether by taking advantage of th cash-back option when using your debit card to make purchases at local grocery or convenience stores.

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