Muhammad Yeo58146

ATM machines have become part our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the move, but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using a bank ATM machine safely requires awareness and some planning. Just because a ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is always safe to use it.

ATM Robbery Considerations
Many bank ATM robberies happen at night between 7pm and midnight when the machine only produces 10% of the daily transactions. Between 7pm and 4am, the ATMs process only 11% of the total daily customers but suffer 60% of the crime.

Who Are the Crooks?
Bank ATM robbers are usually men under 25 years of age and many of them work alone. ATM thieves usually position themselves nearby and wait for a person to approach and take out money. Many ATM theft victims are women and many are alone when attacked. Most claim that they never saw the suspect coming. Most ATM crooks used a pistol or claimed to have a hidden weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

Pick a Secure Location
Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. ATMs inside busy stores are considered safer. Don't use ATM machines that are obscure or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, dark lobbies, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown areas. ATM robbers like to surprise you and want no witnesses. Robbers like easy escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.

Get a list of ATM locations from your bank and keep it handy. Choose an ATM that looks and seems safer, even if it is out of your way. Don't use ATMs at night. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious activity. If you see anyone suspicious that is lurking nearby or sitting alone in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your ATM card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an invitation to help or request for help from a suspicious person while at the machine.

Be Alert
If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous comes up stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee. It is much easier to apologize later or suffer a little embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery statistic. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and get away.

If you use your car at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same tips apply. Be sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious people watching nearby. If there are, listen to your gut instinct and drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in drive, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Thieves almost always appear from the rear on the drivers side. If you notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed thief, just offer up your cash without argument. The cash is not worth serious harm or death. Get to a safe place and call the police right away.

Don't Take Chances With Your Safety, Be Prepared!

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# posted by muhammadyeo22294 : 1:50 PM