| ATM machines have been around forever. They | | | | at the machine. If anyone suspicious or |
| are convenient to those of us on the run | | | | seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your |
| however pose a great element of risk. Using | | | | transaction and leave immediately, even if it |
| an ATM machine in a safe manner requires | | | | means running away and leaving your ATM card |
| awareness. Just because an ATM machine is | | | | in the machine. First, tell the suspicious |
| available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is | | | | male in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and |
| safe to use it at all hours of the night. | | | | leave you alone. This is designed to startle |
| Most ATM robberies occur at night between | | | | the person and give you time to get away. |
| 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually | | | | When you receive cash from the machine |
| males under 25 years of age and usually work | | | | immediately put it away, take your card from |
| alone. ATM robbers usually wait nearby for a | | | | the machine and walk away. |
| victim to withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery | | | | |
| victims are women and were alone when robbed. | | | | If you use your car at a drive-up ATM machine |
| Most claim that they never saw the robber | | | | the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, |
| coming. Most ATM robbers use a gun or claim | | | | with your foot firmly on the brake, while |
| to have a concealed weapon when confronting | | | | using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on |
| the victim and demanding their cash. | | | | your rear and side view mirrors during the |
| | | | transaction. Robbers almost always approach |
| Here are some tips that can make the ATM | | | | from the rear driver's side. If you see |
| process safer: | | | | anyone approaching, drive off even if it |
| | | | means leaving your ATM card behind. If an |
| Use ATM machines in well-lit, high-traffic | | | | armed robber confronts you, give up your |
| areas. Don't use ATM machines that are remote | | | | money without hesitation. The cash is not |
| or hidden behind buildings, pillars, walls, | | | | worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe |
| or away from public view. Beware of obvious | | | | place and immediately call the police. |
| hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown | | | | |
| trees. ATM robbers like to have the element | | | | Do not use the machine if the lights around |
| of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like | | | | the ATM are not working. |
| good escape routes such as nearby freeway | | | | |
| on-ramps or high-speed thoroughfares. | | | | Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding |
| | | | places. |
| Choose an ATM that looks and feels safe, even | | | | |
| if it is a couple of miles out of your way. | | | | Have your card ready and leave quickly. Do |
| Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Try | | | | not count your cash in public. |
| to rake someone with you if you have to go | | | | |
| after dark. When you drive up to an ATM, look | | | | Beware of offers for help from strangers |
| around the area for any suspicious persons. | | | | during an ATM transaction. |
| If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby | | | | |
| or sitting in a car, drive away. When you | | | | Don't fight with or attempt to follow the |
| approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have | | | | robber. |
| your access card ready. Memorize your | | | | |
| personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed | | | | Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately |
| the transaction. After inserting your card | | | | call the police. |
| and your PIN number keep an eye out behind | | | | |
| you. Never accept an offer to help or request | | | | These tips can save your life. |
| for help from a suspicious male ahead of you | | | | |