Jan.19: CONSUMER TIPS
- Posted by CERC India
- Posted in JANUARY
10 tips to use ATMs safely
ATMs are a modern-day convenience no one wants to do without. But if you are not careful during transactions, you may compromise your financial security. Follow the tips given below to stay safe.
- Withdraw only from secure locations. Use an ATM located near the centre of a building in a well-lighted location. Prefer using guarded ATMs. Avoid unlit ATMs at night.
- Minimize transaction time. Be quick with your ATM transactions and avoid lingering around. Put your card in the wallet as soon as its use is over.
- Keep your receipt. To keep your account information confidential, always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
- Inspect the machine before using. Visually inspect the ATM for possible skimming devices. Potential indicators can include sticky residue or evidence of an adhesive used by criminals to fix an external device, scratches, damaged or crooked pieces, loose or extra attachments on the card slot, or noticeable resistance when pressing the keypad.
- Don’t ask or accept help from other people. If you need assistance call the bank’s hotline. If you can’t carry out the transaction, just cancel it and leave.
- Cover your fingers when typing PIN. While using systems in shared areas, use your other hand or body to shield the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN.
- Check whether you are being followed. If you are followed when you leave an ATM, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
- Keep track of your account. Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank. Activate SMS alerts.
- Don’t share Your PIN. Your PIN is not meant to be shared with others, not even with close family members.
- Don’t write your PIN on the back of the card. Instead, try other ways to remember your PIN like choosing a meaningful word and using its “number pad†equivalent.
Sources: fitzvillafuerte.com, www.mastercard.us, www.bankrate.com, www.aba.com
