ATM Fraud Prevention Tips
Recently while visiting an ATM, I noticed the next person in line was standing uncomfortably close to me. To be honest, not even my wife stands that close to me! So, I thought I would share some best practices to avoid ATM fraud.
ATM fraud can be scary (and far too common) with stories of skimming devices stealing your money in seconds. But with simple steps, you can protect yourself and keep your finances safe. Hereās how to stay secure when using ATMs, especially in 2025, when fraud remains a concern despite technological advancements.
Practical Tips to Safeguard Your Debit Card and PIN
- Choose Safer Locations: Use ATMs inside banks or in busy, well-lit areas to reduce tampering risks. Avoid isolated machines and stay alert to your surroundings.
- Avoid Suspicious ATMs: Donāt use machines that look damaged or have loose parts, as they may have skimmers. Find another ATM if something feels off.
- Use Debit Cards Wisely: Limit debit card use to ATM withdrawals. For purchases, opt for credit cards, which offer better fraud protection, especially online or in stores.
- Lock Your Card: Use your bankās mobile app to lock your debit card when not in use. Unlock it only at the ATM, then lock it again after your transaction.
- End Sessions Properly: Always follow prompts to complete your transaction and take your card and receipt before leaving to prevent unauthorized access.
- Protect Your PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to block shoulder surfers or cameras. Use a unique PIN, change it every 6-12 months, and never share it.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly check statements for unauthorized transactions and set up alerts via your bankās app for instant notifications.
These steps can help you stay safe from ATM fraud, which research suggests is a growing issue, with expected reductions in incidents by 15% in 2025 due to AI-driven detection systems that you can read more about in āATM Statistics 2025: Key Trends and Market Insights for the Global ATM Industryā at https://coinlaw.io/atm-statistics/.
