ATM Safety and Security Tips

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
District Four
Silverton Station

Considerations Prior to and During Transactions

• Maintain a small supply of deposit envelopes at home, in your car or office. Prepare all transaction
  paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM site. This will minimize the amount of time spent at
  the ATM;
• Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Do not become
  so involved with your transaction that you are not aware of changing conditions around you;
• Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car in close proximity to or at a distance from the ATM
  location;
• When leaving an ATM location make sure you are not being followed. If you are being followed,
  drive immediately to a police, sheriff or fire station, crowded area, well-lighted location or open
  business. Flash your lights and sound your horn to bring attention to your situation; and
• If you are involved in a confrontation and the attacker is armed with a weapon and demands
  your money or valuables, COMPLY.

Because of the variety of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), the unique characteristics of each installation, and crime considerations at each location, no single formula can guarantee the security of ATM customers. Therefore, it is necessary for ATM customers to consider the environment around each ATM and various procedures for remaining safe when using an ATM.

Perform mental exercises and think out what you would do in different crime or personal security situations.

Follow your instincts. If you feel you are in danger, respond immediately. Remember that your personal safety is the first priority. Criminals select their victims and targets, focusing on the unaware or unprepared. Criminals are also drawn to environmental conditions that enhance the opportunity to successfully complete their crime. The attitude and demeanor you convey can have a tremendous effect on potential assailants. There are a number of things you can do to increase your personal security and reduce your risk of becoming an ATM crime victim. Walk purposefully and with confidence. Give the appearance that you are totally aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your total environment and what is going on around you. Criminals tend to avoid people who have this type of demeanor.

ATM Selection Considerations

• Do not select an ATM at the corner of a building. Corners create a blind area in close proximity to
  the customer’s transaction. Select an ATM located near the center of a building. An ATM further
  from the corner reduces the element of surprise by an assailant and increases effective reaction time by
  the user;
• Identify an ATM with maximum natural surveillance and visibility from the surrounding
  area. This will create a perceived notion of detection by a criminal and increases the potential
  for witnesses;
• Select an ATM at a location void of barriers blocking the line of sight of the ATM. This
  includes shrubbery, landscaping, signs and decorative partitions or dividers. Barriers provide
  hiding areas for would-be assailants;
• Select an ATM that is in a well-lighted location;
• Whenever possible, select an ATM that is monitored or patrolled by a security officer;
• Select an ATM with a wide-angle transaction camera and/or a continuous transaction
  surveillance camera. Consult the bank or location management for this information;
• Solicit prior criminal activity statistics from law enforcement for the ATM site and surrounding
  neighborhood; and
• Avoid ATM locations with large perimeter parking lots and numerous ingress and egress points.

Fraud Considerations

• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not write it down or keep it in your
  wallet or purse. Do not tell anyone else your PIN;
• Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who may be standing or parked nearby or anyone crowding you
  in an attempt to view your transaction. This may be an attempt to determine your PIN or they may be
  waiting for you to throw your transaction receipt away;
• Make sure you retain your transaction receipt. Do not throw the receipt away at the ATM site; and
• Immediately report any stolen or lost ATM card to the proper entities. To reiterate, the foremost consideration is ATM user security. If confronted by an assailant, give up what they demand. Do not resist, property may be recovered later or replaced. The concern of ATM users should focus on the walkways, access and parking areas that provide areas of concealment for assailants. ATM crimes are predicated on opportunity and will continue as long as the criminals continue to invade our society. Do not provide any opportunity that increases your risk of becoming a victim. Alter your habits and offer yourself as an undesirable target.

You may also obtain additional information on this subject, along with additional crime prevention tips, by visiting the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office web site at www.hsco.org and clicking on the “Crime Prevention Tips” icon.

You may contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office by calling the following:

Should you have information regarding a criminal investigation or activity, please contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office at any of the above listed numbers.