How to Safeguard Your Bank Identity when Using ATM Machines

If you use ATM machines on a regular basis, there are some safety precautions you need to take in order to safeguard your bank identity. Follow these tips and decrease your chances of becoming a victim.

How to Safeguard Your Bank Identity

Tip #1 – Protect you PIN (personal identification number) by never writing it on the back of your card or carry it in your purse or wallet. Commit it to memory and leave the written one in a safe place at your home. When entering your PIN number at the ATM, make sure no one is standing behind you where they could stand over your shoulder and see it.

Tip #2 – As soon as you retrieve your money from the ATM, immediately put it away in your pocket or quickly get back in your vehicle and lock the doors. Never just stand outside at the ATM and count your money. You can do that locked in your car or when you get home.

Tip #3 – If you are making a deposit, conceal your money until you are at the ATM and ready to do the transaction. It pays to be prepared before you get to the ATM.

Tip #4 – Be ready to conduct your transaction quickly and leave the vicinity. Loitering at the ATM just increases your chance of being robbed, or having your identity stolen!

Tip #5 – It is best not to go alone to an ATM at night. Two instead of one is the safest way to go!

Tip #6 – Always take your receipt from the ATM and don’t leave it hanging there or lying on the ground. The receipt may show your account number in full or partially.

Tip # 7 – Beware of card skimming which is one of the most dangerous and rampant forms of credit card fraud today. Skimmers are handheld magnetic card readers that can be purchased on the internet. They take personal information off the magnetic strip on debit and credit cards. ATM machines can be rigged to skim account numbers and PINS.

Tip #8 – Avoid letting waiters, sales clerks, or gas station attendants leave your view with your debit or credit card to avoid having it “skimmed.”

If you are aware of the dangers of using ATM machines and practice these tips, the odds of you becoming the victim of stolen bank identity will be greatly reduced.

Related Article by this Contributer: Six Sources Thieves Use to Steal Your Identity
http://voices.yahoo.com/six-sources-thieves-steal-identity-10792941.html?cat=17

Reference:

Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office Publication: “Safe and Secure: How Safe Are You?” distributed to Citizens in Spartanburg County, SC


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