Mall & Shopping Safety Part 5

ATM Safety

To protect yourself, handle your bank card with the same prudence you would cash or credit cards and keep it in a safe place. Memorize your PIN code so you won't have to write it on your card or a piece of paper, and carry it in your purse or wallet. And keep your PIN to yourself -- if others are nearby waiting to use the ATM, don't let them see which buttons you press.

More ATM advice:

Choose a bank with an ATM located in a highly visible, well-lighted area.

If you must withdraw money from an ATM after dark, have someone accompany you. Also, try not to make large cash withdrawals.

If you see anyone loitering near the machine who looks or acts suspicious, walk away.

Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card in your hand and resisting the temptation to count the money after it has been dispensed.

While using an ATM, look around from time to time and be aware of what's going on around you. If anything suspicious happens, immediately cancel your transaction and leave.

Never leave your receipt in the machine. Also, keep your receipts so you can check them against your monthly bank statements.