Keep Safe Around ATM\\\'s

ATM bank cash machines have become part our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run, but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using a automated teller safely requires awareness and some planning. Just because a ATM machine is open all the time doesn't mean it is always safe to operate it.

ATM Robbery Considerations

Many ATM robberies happen at night between 7pm and midnight when the machine only produces 10% of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the machines process only 11% of the total daily customers but suffer the majority of the crime.

Who Are the Crooks?

Bank ATM robbers are generally males under 25 years of age and many of them work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby and wait for a victim to come along and take out money. Many ATM robbery victims are women and many are alone when robbed. Most claim that they never saw the robber coming. Most ATM crooks used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and taking their money.

Pick a Secure Location

Use only ATM kiosks in well-lighted, high-visibility areas. ATMs inside busy stores are considered safe. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden like those located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubs or overgrown areas. ATM robbers like to surprise you and want no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.

Get a list of ATM locations from your bank branch and keep it in your car. Pick an ATM that looks and feels safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Don't use ATMs at night. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, watch the area for any suspicious activity. If you see anyone suspicious that is standing nearby or sitting by themselves in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your ATM card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and don't write it down. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out around you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious person while at the ATM.

Be Alert

If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to get away. It is much easier to apologize later or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery victim. When you get your cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.

If you use your car at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Make sure there are no obvious hiding spots or suspicious people watching in the area. If there are, listen to your inner instinct and drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in drive, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Thieves almost always appear from the rear on the drivers’ side. If you notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed thief, just offer up your cash without argument. The cash is not worth serious harm or death. Go to a safe place and call the police right away.