SAFETY TIPS WHILE AT THE ATM

It’s well known that criminals select their victims and
targets by focusing on the unaware or unprepared.
Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions
that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete
their crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can
have a tremendous effect on potential assailants. There
are a number of things you can do to increase your personal
security and reduce your risk of becoming a crime
victim while at the ATM. Below are a few safety tips to
use while conducting a transaction at the ATM.
* Walk with purpose and confidence.
* Be aware of your total environment. Criminals tend to
avoid people with this type demeanor.
* Follow your instincts. If you feel danger, respond
immediately. Personal safety is 1st priority.
ATM SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
* Do not select an ATM at the corner of a building.
Corners create blind areas in close proximity to your
transaction. Select an ATM located near the center of
the building. This can reduce the element of surprise
by the assailant and increases effective reaction time
by the user.
* Use an ATM with maximum visibility from the surrounding
area. No criminal wants a witness to their
committing a crime. This will create a perceived notion
of detection by a criminal and increases the potential
for witnesses.
* Select an ATM that is void of barriers blocking the line
of sight of the ATM. This includes shrubbery, landscaping,
signs and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers
provide hiding places for would be assailants.
* Select an ATM that is well lit or in a well-lit location.
* Avoid ATM locations with large perimeter parking lots
and numerous ingress and egress points.
CONSIDERATIONS PRIOR TO AND DURING
TRANSACTIONS
* Always watch for suspicious persons or activity
around an ATM. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked
car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM
location. Be aware of anyone “hanging around” an ATM
and on foot.
* If you notice anything you feel is suspicious, leave
and return later. Even if you have already started an
ATM transaction, consider cancelling it and leave.
* If making a deposit have your transaction paperwork
ready prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize
your time spent there.
* Be aware of your surroundings throughout your transaction.
Be aware of changing conditions around you
while conducting the transaction.
* Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables
to the ATM. This is an added incentive to a criminal.
* If you get cash, put it away immediately. Never stand
at the ATM and count it.
* Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from
strangers, ask the bank for help.
* While using the ATM, use your body to block the view
of your transaction, especially as you enter your PIN.
* If you use a drive up ATM, be sure your vehicle doors
and windows are locked. Leave enough room between
cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary.
* During evening hours, consider taking a companion
along. Park close to the ATM in a well-lit area. If the
lights around and at the ATM are not working properly,
do not use it.
* When leaving the ATM make sure you are not followed.
If you feel you are being followed drive to a
police, sheriff or fire station, crowded area, well-lit location
or an open business. You can also flash your lights
and honk your horn to bring attention to your situation.
* If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker
is armed with a weapon and demands your money or
valuables, give it to them, do not resist. Property may
be recovered later or replaced. Your safety is first and
foremost.
Clay Perry
Texas First Bank Security/Fraud Manager
409-766-5448