ATMs: Seven steps to get your cash safely
You just can’t beat the convenience of ATMs for getting cash quickly. Those $50 withdrawals sure add up. According to the Electronic Funds Transfer Association, 14 billion ATM transactions handled over $1 trillion in 2006!
With that amount of money, it’s easy to understand why ATM machines have become an easy target for theft, purse snatchings and other personal crimes. Whether you’re taking out $20 or $200, think ahead before using one.
Here are seven things you can do to get your cash safely and reduce your vulnerability:
- Don’t go alone, especially at night.
- Be choosy. The Los Angeles Police Department recommends that you avoid ATMs that are located at the corner of a building, because buildings create a blind spot. Instead, use one near the center of a building. Better yet, use a machine in a business or locked card-accessible booth, instead of an outside machine. If there is none, make sure the machine is located in a well-lit and visible spot.
- Be observant. Look around before you use an ATM. If the situation doesn’t feel right, go somewhere else and report suspicious activities to the police.
- Be ready to act when you walk up to the machine: have your card ready and PIN memorized. If you’re making a deposit, have all of your forms filled out.
- Be private. Don’t let anyone look over your shoulder while you enter your PIN, and be wary of anyone who tries to “help” you.
- Take your receipt with you.
- Wait to count your cash. Although you may be inclined to count your cash as soon as it comes out of the machine, put it away immediately. Wait to count it until you’re in a secure place, such as a locked car or home.
If a robber demands your money, just hand it over. Your safety and well-being are far more important than the lost cash.
For more safety information about using ATMs, visit www.ppdonline.org, the web site for the Philadelphia Police Department; www.efta.org, the web site for the Electronic Funds Transfer Association; and www.lapdonline.org, the web site for the Los Angeles Police Department.
This article is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. This is an initiative developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Committee, comprising members from across the University community. If you have other health and safety questions, suggestions or concerns, please e-mail the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@temple.edu.
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