How to Protect Against ATM Theft

The wealth of ATM scams out there designed to trap your card or otherwise obtain your account information makes protecting yourself during transactions a priority. Use the following safety measures to increase your chances of avoiding ATM theft.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Develop the habit of using the same ATM machine for most of your transactions. Find one on the way to work or home and get familiar enough with it to be able to recognize changes to the machine.

2. Use ATM machines inside banks instead of out on the street. The latter are easier for thieves to tamper with.

3. If you're using a machine for the first time, examine it carefully prior to beginning the transaction. Card or cash trapping devices are generally glued or taped to the card reader or cash dispenser.

4. Never rely on strangers to help retrieve a lost card.

5. Never go through with a transaction while other people are lingering in the near vicinity.

6. If your card is lost, call the bank immediately. If you can, stay by the ATM machine and call using a cell phone.