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