ATM Safety Tips

Precautions while using an ATM:-

• Memorise your PIN. Do not write it down anywhere,and certainly never on the card itself
• Your card is for your own personal use. Do not share your PIN or card with anyone, not even your friends or family
• "Shoulder surfer" can peep at your PIN as you enter it. So stand close to the ATM machine and use your body and hand to shield the keypad as you enter the PIN
• Do not take help from strangers for using the ATM card or handling your cash
• Press the 'Cancel' key before moving away from the ATM. Remember to take your card and transaction slip with you
• If you take transaction slip, shred it immediately after use
• If your ATM card is lost or stolen, report it to your card-issuing bank immediately
• When you deposit a cheque or card into your ATM, check the credit entry in your account after a couple of days. If there is any discrepancy, report it to your bank
• If your card gets stuck in the ATM, or if cash is not dispensed after you having keyed in a transaction,call your bank immediately
• If you have any complaint about your ATM/Debit/Credit card transaction at an ATM, you must take it up with the bank that issued the card to you

What Is Skimming?

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Skimming is an act of stealing information through the magnetic strip on the cards that are used in ATMs and merchant establishments. Fraudsters collect information from a credit/debit/ATM card by reading the magnetic strip on the reverse of the card. For doing this, they conceal a small device in the card slot of ATM's or merchant payment terminals. This 'skimmer' scans the card details and stores its information. A tiny strategically positioned camera may also be used to capture the PIN. Skimming can occur in ATMs, restaurants, shops or other locations.

How The Fraudsters Operate?

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• At ATM machines

Fraudsters insert a skimming device to the ATM's card slot. This device scans the card and stores its associated information. While a customer keys in his PIN, the wireless skimming device transfers the data to the fraudsters. This information is then used by the fraudsters for online shopping or to make counterfeit credit cards.

• At Restaurants / Shopping Outlets

At restaurants and shopping outlets, the credit card is swiped twice, once for the regular transaction and the other in the skimmer that captures the personal information which is retrieved later by the fraudsters.

Tips To Protect Yourself From Skimming

Tips to Avoid Skimming

• Protect your PIN by standing close to the ATM and shielding or cover the key pad with your other hand when entering your PIN
• If you see anything unusual, strange, suspicious, something that does not look right with the ATM or if the keypad does not feel securely attached, stop your transaction and inform the bank
• If it appears to have anything stuck onto the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Cancel the transaction and walk away. Never try to remove suspicious devices
• Be cautious if strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are having difficulties. Do not allow anyone to distract you
• Keep your PIN a secret. Never reveal it to anyone, even to someone who claims to be calling from your bank or a police officer
• Check that other people in the queue are at reasonable distance away from you
• Regularly check your account balance and bank statements, and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately

Below are additional tips for staying safe when using an ATM:

• Memorise your PIN – never write it down or store it with your card(s)
• Have your card and envelopes ready for your transaction when you approach the ATM
• Be aware of your surroundings and people nearby
• Monitor your account, statements and report suspicious transactions to the bank
• Do not take help offered by strangers or allow anyone watch you enter your PIN
• Always press the 'Cancel' button once your transaction is over.