There is no beating the convenience and availability of ATM machines available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however there is also a need for increased security and personal caution when using ATMs. Identity Theft often begins with stolen ATM information. It’s important that you:
- Protect Yourself
- Safeguard Your Account
- Prevent Identity Theft
What You Can Do
- Protect your ATM card as if it were cash. Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- Safeguard your Personal Identification Number (PIN) ATM fraud is most often committed by individuals who know the ATM cardholder.
- Don’t give your number to anyone.
- Don’t write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet.
- Avoid using numbers that are easily identified (birth date, etc.).
- Never leave your receipt behind -- even with an incomplete transaction. Discarded ATM receipts are a primary means of identity theft and account fraud. Even at home, receipts can be a source for identity thieves as they rummage through the trash to find account numbers and other personal information. Shred receipts before discarding them.
- For your personal safety, minimize your time at the machine.
- Have your ATM card ready when you approach the machine.
- Be ready to enter your PIN number.
- Review your plans for transactions before going to the machine so you’re prepared to make transactions.
- Count your money later, not at the ATM.
- Give people ahead of you space to conduct their transactions. When you use the ATM, make sure no one watches you key in your PIN number. Use your body to shield the ATM keypad.
- At night, make sure there is ample lighting and the ATM is clearly visible from the street. Report overgrown bushes, poor lighting or anything else you feel compromises personal safety and security at the ATM whenever possible.
What Your Credit Union Is Doing
- Our ATMs are in areas that are clearly visible from the street and to foot traffic.
- We maintain landscapes that discourage thieves from hiding near the machine.
- Lighting is maintained which is bright enough for night use.
- Cameras are installed at all our ATM locations.
- We work with manufacturers to improve the security technology. Advanced security technology can be a first-line deterrent to Identity Theft.
Our ATMs are like a branch of the Credit Union. Using them should be convenient, enjoyable, safe and secure. If you have suggestions to improve your Bay Cities ATM experience, or if you want to learn more about ATM safety, email us today.
