Tips: Safely Using An ATM

  • Mar 05, 2009

The more than 420,000 automated teller machines (ATMs) in the U.S. and Canada provide a tremendous convenience to consumers, allowing them to withdraw cash anytime of the day or night.

But they can also attract robbers looking for easy prey.

According to figures from the Department of Justice, losses from an ATM robbery average between $100 and $200. Also, about 15 percent of victims are injured during the robbery.

Hank Monaco, vice president for ADT Security Services, which helps to protect half of the country's top 50 national and regional bank holding companies, said it is possible to significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

"Anytime cash is readily available, you will find criminals looking to take advantage - ATMs are no exception," Monaco said. "But by being aware and using common sense you should be able to conduct your business safely."

According to one ATM service organization, the majority of Americans between the ages of 25 to 49 use an ATM an average of eight times a month. Monaco offered these safety tips for customers who use ATMs.

  • Pay close attention to your surroundings. Make sure the area around the ATM is well lit and not hidden from the road by landscaping, decorative partitions or buildings. If anyone looks suspicious in the area, use an ATM at another location or come back later.
  • When possible, use ATMs during the daytime. Most ATM robberies occur at night, with the highest risk between midnight and 4 a.m.
  • If possible, take a friend with you to the ATM or use it when there are other customers in the area. Most robberies are committed against a single victim by a lone robber.
  • If while using an ATM you feel a person behind you in line is too close, ask him or her to step back. If he or she does not, cancel your transaction and come back later.
  • Limit your time at the ATM. Fill out transaction paperwork in your car and have your ATM card and other documents ready as you approach the ATM.
  • Do not withdraw large amounts of cash. After making a withdrawal, immediately put it into your wallet or purse before leaving the ATM.
  • When using a drive-up ATM, keep your car engine running, the doors locked and all windows up except for the one you are using. Leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead in the line.

If, despite following these tips, you are still confronted by a robber, Monaco said you should comply.

"Security experts emphasize that you should never fight with the robber," he said. "Note the robber's description as you give him the money. Then get away as soon as it is safe and call the police."

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”