Automated
Teller Machine (ATM) Safety Tips
The
purpose of this circular is to impart basic crime prevention
techniques to reduce Automated Teller Machine (ATM) crime.
The primary focus of the ATM Crime Prevention Program is user
safety. Surveys have shown the reported crime rate at ATM's
has changed little over the last decade and that this is a
crime of low probability. A person using an ATM is more likely
to be the victim of a street robbery or involved in a traffic
collision than the victim of an ATM crime. In fact, ATM crime
incidents are on a downward trend due to heightened user awareness
and prevention applications. However, low probability odds
and statistics are a moot point to those who suffer the trauma
of ATM crime.
The
media informs the public about important issues and events.
Sometimes a negative side effect is produced when too much
attention is focused on criminal events. Oftentimes, the public's
perception is that crime is occurring at epidemic levels,
with fear rising dramatically out of proportion to the reality
of becoming a victim. The following crime prevention tips
can help make the use of ATM’s safer for everyone.
Because
of the variety of ATMs, the unique characteristics of each
installation, and crime considerations at each location, no
single formula can guarantee the security of ATM customers.
Therefore, it is necessary for ATM customers to consider the
environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining
safe when using an ATM.
Perform
mental exercises and think out what you would do in different
crime or personal security situations. Follow your instincts.
If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember
that your personal safety is the first priority.
Criminals
select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware
or unprepared. Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions
that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their
crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can have a tremendous
effect on potential assailants. There are a number of things
you can do to increase your personal security and reduce your
risk of becoming an ATM crime victim. Walk purposefully and
with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally
aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your total environment
and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people
who have this type of demeanor.
ATM
Selection Considerations
The
law sets minimum standards for ATM lighting, procedures for
evaluating the safety of ATM's and requires notices to ATM
users outlining basic safety precautions for using ATM's.
Although
ATM environmental design issues are covered in the law, there
are other considerations that an ATM customer needs to consider
prior to selecting and using an ATM.
For
example:
- Do
not select an ATM at the corner of a building. Corners
create a blind area in close proximity to the customer's
transaction. Select an ATM located near the center of
a building. An ATM further from the corner reduces the
element of surprise by an assailant and increases effective
reaction time by the user;
- Identify
an ATM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility
from the surrounding area. This will create a perceived
notion of detection by a criminal and increases the potential
for witnesses;
- Select
an ATM at a location void of barriers blocking the line
of sight of the ATM. This includes shrubbery, landscaping,
signs and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers
provide hiding areas for would-be assailants;
- Select
an ATM that is in a well-lighted location;
- Whenever
possible, select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled
by a security officer;
- Select
an ATM with a wide-angle transaction camera and/or a continuous
transaction surveillance camera. Consult the bank or location
management for this information;
- Solicit
prior criminal activity statistics from law enforcement
for the ATM site and surrounding neighborhood; and
- Avoid
ATM locations with large perimeter parking lots and numerous
ingress and egress points.
Considerations
prior to and during transactions
- Maintain
a small supply of deposit envelopes at home, in your car
or office. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to
your arrival at the ATM site. This will minimize the amount
of time spent at the ATM;
- Maintain
an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire
transaction. Do not become so involved with your transaction
that you are not aware of changing conditions around you;
- Do
not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to
the ATM. This is an added incentive to an assailant;
- Be
aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity
to or at a distance from the ATM location;
- When
leaving an ATM location make sure you are not being followed.
If you are being followed, drive immediately to a police,
sheriff or fire station, crowded area, well-lighted location
or open business. Flash your lights and sound your horn
to bring attention to your situation; and
- If
you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is
armed with a weapon and demands your money or valuables,
COMPLY.
Fraud
Considerations
- Memorize
your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not write
it down or keep it in your wallet or purse. Do not tell
anyone else your PIN;
- Shield
the ATM keypad from anyone who may be standing or parked
nearby or anyone crowding you in an attempt to view your
transaction. This may be an attempt to determine your
PIN or they may be waiting for you to throw your transaction
receipt away;
- Make
sure you retain your transaction receipt. Do not throw
the receipt away at the ATM site; and
- Immediately
report any stolen or lost ATM card to the proper entities.
Conclusion
To
reiterate, the foremost consideration is ATM user security.
If confronted by an assailant, give up what they demand. Do
not resist, property may be recovered later or replaced.
Do
not be lulled into a false sense of security. Employing crime
prevention techniques does not exempt you from crime. However,
employing these techniques will significantly reduce your
chance of becoming a crime statistic. Technology is not a
guarantee of ATM user security. It is unlikely there will
ever be any security device to prevent ATM related crimes
of violence, but security products such as security lighting
and wide-angle-transaction cameras, aid in the identification
and apprehension of perpetrators. Most ATM's are properly
placed and lighted.
The
concern of ATM users should focus on the walkways, access
and parking areas that provide areas of concealment for assailants.
ATM crimes are predicated on opportunity and will continue
as long as the criminals continue to invade our society. Do
not provide any opportunity that increases your risk of becoming
a victim. Alter your habits and offer yourself as an undesirable
target.
This
information is offered to contribute to your personal security
while conducting ATM transactions. As far as your security
is concerned, you can never be too careful, too prepared or
too aware. Share this information with family and friends.
Schedule family discussions and practice regularly to ensure
that everyone you know is safe and informed. Back
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