ATM Safety and Security Recommendations

In recent years, there has been a proliferation in the number of automated teller machines

(ATM’s). These ATM’s may be in financial institutions, shopping malls, convenience stores,

etc., or free-standing.

The presence of ATM’s pose three potential safety and security related problems. The first of

these three problems is to the ATM machine or installation itself. It is possible that an attack

could be made upon an ATM machine in order to steal the money in it.

ATM’s are built to high security standards and will

be very difficult to break into. If they are located

within a building, it is preferable they be built into a

wall rather than be free-standing. The ATM’s, in all

probability, will be electronically alarmed. They

should also be monitored by closed-circuit television

installations.

If the ATM is built into a wall (with a room for servicing

the machine behind the wall), it is recommended

that a CCTV camera be installed behind a

one-way mirror slightly above the machine. This oneway

mirror will also allow patrons to see who is behind

them.

Ideally, CCTV cameras should also monitor approaches

to the ATM. Doing so provides a greater

opportunity to identify someone engaged in illegal activity.

ATM installations should be located in well lighted areas (with lighting that cannot be extinguished

“after hours”). If color CCTV cameras are used, metal halide lighting or lighting that

has been corrected for color camera applications should be used.

If located within a building, the room or area where the ATM is located should have floor to

ceiling walls, and should have neither dropped ceilings or plaster walls.

The second concern associated with ATM’s is for the safety and security of guards or other

employees of the financial institution which owns the machine who services it. The guards or

employees who replace cash in the ATM’s will obviously have large amounts of money in their

possession. While it will usually not be the responsibility of the local law enforcement agency

to provide protection for these individuals, it would be prudent for the department to be aware

of what their prescribed safety and security procedures are. These persons should wear an

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identifiable uniform and always possess proper identification credentials.

A robbery of a person using an ATM is the most serious concern related to their presence. A

would-be robber will obviously know an individual using an ATM will usually leave the machine

with cash money in their possession after withdrawal of funds. In addition, if an individual

is the victim of an ATM robbery, other personal property such as wallets, purses, credit

cards and jewelry will often be taken.

According to the Bank Administration Institute, the most dangerous hours for ATM crime are

from 7:00 p.m. until midnight, when approximately 40% of ATM-related crimes occur.

The following are a number of ATM safety and security tips. These tips or suggestions can be

included in a crime prevention brochure or flyer, poster, student and employee newspaper,

electronic mail presentation, internet webpage, verbal presentation, videotape presentation, etc.

Approaching the ATM

� At a drive-up ATM, keep all windows closed, except the one you are using, and all vehicle

doors locked. Keep the vehicle running and be watchful of the vehicle’s front, rear and

sides. If someone approaches your vehicle on foot, cancel the transaction and leave.

� If you drive to the ATM and them exit your vehicle to use the ATM, lock all of the vehicle

doors after you exit it. Then, keep your keys handy so you can re-enter your vehicle quickly

after completing your transaction.

� When approaching the ATM, be alert for anything suspicious, especially two or more people

in a nearby vehicle, particularly if no one else is at the ATM, or someone appears to be

“hanging” around the area.

� Never approach an ATM if the lights at the site are not working.

� Particularly after dark, take a companion along to the ATM, if at all possible, and park close

to the ATM in a well lighted area.

� Avoid using ATM’s with obscuring bushes around them, again, particularly after dark.

Using the ATM

� When waiting in line to use the ATM, wait well behind the person(s) ahead of you, and do

not approach the ATM until they complete their transaction.

� When you are using the ATM and someone is closer to you than you would like them to be,

ask them politely and tactfully to step back a few steps. If they do not do so, cancel your

transaction and wait in your locked vehicle or other safe location until that person leaves —

— or possibly go to another ATM.

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� Before you approach the ATM, have your card ready, know your code and if anything such

as a deposit slip needs to be filled out, have it completed. If making a deposit and you do not

have a deposit envelope, obtain one from the storage section of the ATM and fill it out in

your locked vehicle or other safe locations before you return to the ATM.

� Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize your PIN. Do not write your

PIN on your ATM card or carry your PIN in your wallet or purse.

� Select a PIN that is different from other numbers noted in your wallet or purse, such as your

address, birth date, telephone or social security number.

� When using the ATM, stand directly in front of the keyboard, blocking the view of others.

Do not enter the PIN if anyone else can see the screen.

As remote as it may seem, criminals can use high-powered equipment to visually capture

cardholder’s PIN’s as they are punched into keypads. By picking up discarded ATM transaction

receipts, criminals can match up PIN’s and account numbers and have all the information

they need to manufacture false ATM cards and gain access to consumer’s money.

This is referred to as “shoulder surfing.”

� Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers. If you are having problems,

contact your financial institution.

� When your ATM transaction is completed, immediately take your property —— card, receipt,

money, etc., put them in your pocket, wallet or purse and leave immediately.

Never stand and count your money. You can count it later. If your transaction is inaccurate,

you cannot discuss it with the machine. Thus, there is no need to count your money at the

ATM and risk exposing yourself to a would-be criminal.

� ATM robberies often occur after the patron has completed their transaction. Always have

your head up and be aware of your surroundings when you leave an ATM. If you feel or

sense someone is following you, walk or drive to the nearest open business or where there

are a lot of people and call the police.

Never tell your access code or PIN to anyone!

Never lend your ATM card to anyone; treat it like cash or a credit card.

� If you lose, misplace or have your ATM card stolen, notify the card issuer immediately. If

you report an ATM card missing before it is used without your permission, the Electronic

Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized

withdrawals. If unauthorized use occurs before you report it, the amount you can

be held responsible for depends upon how quickly you report the loss to the card issuer. For

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example, if you report the loss within two business days after you realize your card is

missing, you will not be responsible for more than $50.00 for unauthorized use. If you do

not notify the card issuer within two business days of its loss, you could be held responsible

for up to $500.00 for unauthorized use. If within 60 days after your bank statement is

mailed to you, you do not report an unauthorized transfer or withdrawal, you risk total loss

of funds.

� Consider buying a card registration service. Many companies offer card registration and

protection services that will notify all companies where you have credit and ATM card

accounts in case your card is lost or stolen. With this service, you make only one telephone

call to report all card losses instead of calling each card issuer individually. Also, most card

registration services will request replacement cards on your behalf. Registration services

usually cost $10.00 to $35.00 annually.