Tips for using ATM wisely

You may have watched James Cameron's "Terminator 2," a sci-fi film where the young John Connor hooks anelectronic piece into an ATM and his high-tech hacking device isolates a PIN number and soon the ATM is spitting out someone else's money. It may seem enthralling in the movie, but real-life ATM scams are for real!  Imagine receiving an SMS alert at middle of the night statingthat you have made a withdrawal in some part of the world where you never visited. It’s a nightmare even to imagine that yourhard earned money has just vanished from an unauthorized withdrawal from your bank account.However, these worries can be at bay if you are aware and alert about it.

Today, technologies are advanced and banks are offering different services to make our livessimpler and convenient in many ways.However, on the other hand, fraudulent activities by hackers and scammers have also found new ways of tricks and tweaks to rob our hard earned by –Skimming! Now, what exactly is ‘skimming’? Skimming in simpler terms are bogus card readers,hidden camerasand devices in the ATM Machines installed in illegal way by the scammers. Skimming devices are usually well camouflaged and easy to overlookwhile we are not alert. However, there are multiple ways to ensure that the ATM you are using is secured and safe for the transactions.


Some Do’s and Don’ts

Do not enter an ATM if the lights inside is off/in adequate. 

Do not enter the ATM if you have any unknown/ suspicious person nearby and never accept offers of assistance from an unknown person.

Always, visually inspect the ATM for possible skimming devices. Potential indicators can include sticky residue or evidence of an adhesive used by scammers to affix the device, scratches, damaged or crooked pieces, loose or extra attachments on the card slot or noticeable resistance when pressing the keypad.

Always let the person before you finish their transactions completely, do not enter while the person is still inside the ATM.

Do not let any unknown person stand close to you while you are using ATM, if you find anyone, ask them to step back a few steps politely. 

 Always memorize your PIN. Never write your PIN on your ATM Card or carry it in your purse.

Always select a unique when selecting a PIN, do not use your birth date, telephone number, or easy torememberPIN(EG: 1234/0000/2222 etc).

Do not use the same PIN for a longer period; it is advisable to change your ATM PIN regularly at a regular interval.

Always stand in front of the keyboard when using the ATM, blocking the view of your transaction to others.

· Always ensure that you take back yourATM card, receipt and moneyas soon as you finish your transaction. Do not spend time around the ATM unnecessarily.

· Always notify the bank’s branch or dial the provided helpline number in cases where the ATM retains (holds) your card.

· Notify the bank immediately if you lose, misplace or have your ATM card stolen.  

· Subscribe SMS alert service to receive instant update of every transaction you perform.

Having said all the methods and mechanisms of security, the most important is your alertness. ATM is of great convenience but with convenience comes a responsibility to be careful. Be safe than sorry.