ATM & Debit Card Safety
Approximately 12 billion ATM transactions take place every year at more than 371,000 ATMs across the country. However, with this convenience comes potential risks! Your community bank wants you to stay safe and your finances to be secure during the upcoming summer months with these ATM & debit card safety tips..

ATM & Debit Safety Tips

Here are a few simple precautions that financial institutions can communicate to cardholders to protect their privacy and safety.

Cardholders should:

• Treat your card like cash. Keep it in a safe place;
• Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret;
• Do not disclose card information over the phone to anyone. No one needs to know your PIN, not even your financial institution;
• Never disclose information about your card in response to an unsolicited e-mail or request;
• Make certain your Internet shopping sites are secure;
• Protect your card’s magnetic stripe to magnetic objects;
• Report a lost or stolen card at once; and
• Carefully review your account activity online and your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

Safety tips for using drive-up ATMs:

• Keep the doors locked, windows up and engine running at all times when waiting in line;
• Leave enough room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary;
• Before lowering the window to use a drive-up ATM, observe the entire surrounding area. If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction and drive away at once;
• Minimize time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready to use. Once your transaction is complete, take your money, card and receipt and immediately drive away from the terminal; and
• If anyone follows you after you have completed your ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.

Safety tips for using walk-up ATMs:

• If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. It is a good idea to take along a companion when using an ATM, especially at night;
• Never allow a stranger to assist you in conducting an ATM transaction, even if you have trouble or if your card is stuck;
• Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount;
• If the ATM looks different or appears to have any alterations or attachments to the card slot or PIN pad, do not use it.

Debit safety tips include:

• Never allow the cashier or anyone else to enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting you with the transaction;
• Block the view of others when using a POS terminal;
• Be sure the transaction is complete and you have received a receipt before leaving;
• It is a good idea to take someone with you when using an outdoor POS terminal at night; and
• If you received cash back, put it away before leaving the terminal.
  

Please visit www.pulse-eft.com for this and more debit safety information

(Safety tips taken from “Pulse Declares June ATM & Debit Card Safety Month”).