Library of Congress Federal Credit Union

There are plenty of great tips out there to keep your personal information private, online passwords secret, and safeguard your finances. But one of the overlooked areas is often ATM safety. Our friends at BALANCE have five tips to help keep your next trip to the ATM safe and secure.

1. Secure your ATM card information: Security experts recommend never writing down your ATM PIN. Instead, use one you won’t forget (like a particular date in your life).
2. Select the right ATM: Your best bet is to use a Library of Congress ATM or one that’s part of the CO-OP Network of ATMs. If this isn’t an option, try to choose a machine in a well-lit area not obscured by trees, bushes, or other objects that could be used by a thief to hide behind. Speaking of well-lit areas, nighttime might not be the right time for your ATM transaction. If possible, try to wait until the sun is up. Also, it’s wise to scan the area around the ATM when you arrive.
3. Safeguard yourself at the machine: Try to make ATM transactions with a family member or friend when possible. Criminals are less likely to target someone who’s got a partner looking out for them. If you’re using a drive-up ATM, keep your doors locked, windows rolled up, and the engine running. If someone is standing closer than you’d like while you use the ATM, cancel your transaction and find another machine to use. They might be trying to spy on your PIN. Additionally, take your receipt with you. While that little piece of paper doesn’t have all your personal information, it does contain bits of data fraudsters can use to steal your identity.
4. Stay vigilant: After withdrawing money, survey the area around you again. If someone is following you, head to the nearest place with people in or around it. As soon as you’re close to other people, take out your phone and call the police. Additionally, regularly monitoring your online or paper statements for fraudulent transactions is a good idea.
5. Look out for skimming scams: Skimmers are devices criminals attach to ATMs and other card-reading terminals to harvest sensitive information and fraudulently access accounts. Each year, there are thousands of known instances of skimmers attached to ATMs in the United States. Your best method for fighting this sinister tactic is to stay on the lookout for these crude electronic overlays. If you see an ATM that seems different or has flimsy plastic parts, report it to the machine’s owner and find another ATM to use.

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