ATM bank cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the move, but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using a automated teller safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because a bank ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is always safe to use it.



ATM Crime Facts

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

Who Are the Robbers?

ATM robbers are generally men under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby and wait for a person to come along and take out cash. Many ATM theft victims are ladies and many are alone when attacked. Most claim that they never saw the suspect coming. Most ATM robbers used a pistol or claimed to have a hidden weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

Pick a Safe Location

Use only ATM kiosks in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. ATMs inside busy stores are considered safer. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden like those located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or out of public view. Beware of obvious hiding spots like shrubs or overgrown areas. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise 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. Choose an ATM that looks and seems safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you at night, if you can. When you come up on an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious that is lurking 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 anybody suspicious or seemingly dangerous comes up stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee. It is much easier to apologize later or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery victim. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and get away.

If you use your auto at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Make sure there are no obvious hiding spots or suspicious people loitering nearby. If there are, listen to your gut 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. Watch your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always appear from the rear on the drivers? side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious harm or death. Go to a safe place and phone the police right away.