ATM Safety Tips: How to Protect Yourself and Your Money

Quick Summary: Staying alert before, during, and after an ATM transaction can help protect your card, cash, PIN, and account information. Choose a secure location, inspect the machine, limit distractions, and leave immediately if anything seems suspicious.

ATMs make it easy to access cash and complete basic banking transactions, but convenience should never come at the expense of safety. No matter where or when you use an ATM, take a moment to assess the area and the machine before you begin. If anything seems suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave.

Choose a Safe ATM Location

Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic areas, such as inside a financial institution or grocery store. Avoid secluded or poorly lit locations, especially at night. When possible, bring a friend and stay together until the transaction is complete.

Stay Alert Before You Begin

Scan the area for anyone who appears to be loitering or watching you. Put away your phone, avoid distractions, and trust your instincts. Prepare deposit slips or other materials in advance so you can spend less time at the machine.

Inspect the ATM for Tampering

Before inserting your card, visually inspect the card reader and keypad. A skimmer can capture card information, while a hidden camera or false keypad may record your PIN. Do not use the ATM if you notice loose parts, unusual stickers, sticky residue, mismatched colors, or anything else that looks out of place.

Protect Your Card and PIN

• Shield your PIN. Use your hand or body to block the keypad from view while entering your number.
• Decline help from strangers. If someone offers assistance, cancel the transaction and leave. The offer may be a distraction intended to expose your PIN or steal your card or cash.
• Use contactless or cardless options. When available, tapping your card or using a mobile app can reduce exposure to card-reader skimmers because the transaction uses encrypted data instead of a magnetic-stripe swipe.

Finish Your Transaction Safely

Put your cash, card, and receipt away before leaving the ATM. Do not count cash in public or remain near the machine longer than necessary. Leave promptly, then check your account activity through FORUM’s Online Banking or Mobile Banking App and report unfamiliar transactions right away.

What to Do If Something Seems Wrong

If the ATM keeps your card, shows signs of tampering, or is surrounded by suspicious activity, do not accept help from a bystander. Move to a safe location and contact FORUM. Review FORUM’s Security & Safety Tips for additional ways to protect your personal and financial information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I do if an ATM looks suspicious?
  Do not use it. Cancel the transaction if necessary, leave the area, and report the issue to the financial institution that operates the ATM.
• How can I tell if an ATM has a skimmer?
  Look for a loose or bulky card reader, mismatched materials, unusual stickers, sticky residue, or a keypad that appears raised or altered. If anything looks unusual, use another ATM.
• Are contactless and cardless ATM transactions safer?
  They can reduce the risk of traditional card skimming because you do not insert or swipe the card. Continue to protect your PIN, use trusted devices, and stay aware of your surroundings.
• What should I do after using an ATM?
  Secure your cash, card, receipt, and wallet before you leave. Then review your account activity and report any unfamiliar transaction as soon as possible.