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ATM bank cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run, but at the same time have an element of risk. Using a bank ATM machine safely requires awareness and some planning. Just because a bank ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is always safe to use it. ATM Crime Facts Most bank ATM robberies occur at night between 7pm and midnight while the machine only produces 10% of the daily business. Between 7pm and 4am, the machines handle only 11% of the total daily transactions but suffer the majority of the crime. Who Are the Robbers? ATM robbers are generally men under 25 years of age and many of them work alone. ATM robbers usually hide themselves nearby and wait for a person to approach and withdraw cash. Many ATM theft victims are ladies and many are alone when attacked. Most claim that they never saw the suspect coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a hidden weapon when confronting the victim and taking their cash. Pick a Safe Location Use only bank ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. ATMs inside busy supermarkets are considered safer. Don't use ATM machines that are obscure or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, dark lobbies, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to surprise you and want no witnesses. Robbers like easy escape routes like nearby highway exits or high speed thoroughfares. Get a list of ATM locations from your bank branch and keep it handy. Pick an ATM that looks and seems safer, even if it is out of your way. Don't use ATMs at night. Take someone with you at night, if you can. When you come up on an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious activity. If you see anyone suspicious that is lurking nearby or sitting alone in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your ATM card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and don't write it down. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an invitation to help or request for help from a suspicious person while at the machine. Be Alert If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous comes up stop your transaction and leave immediately. Tell the suspicious person in a loud, confident voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to get away. It is far easier to apologize later or suffer some embarrassment for your fear than to become a robbery victim. When you get your cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and get away. If you use your auto at a bank drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Make sure there are no obvious hiding places or suspicious persons watching nearby. If there are, listen to your gut instinct and drive away. Keep your doors locked and the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Watch your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Thieves almost always appear from the rear on the drivers’ side. If you notice anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just offer up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious harm or worse. Get to a safe place and phone the police right away.
Article Source: http://www.financemanual.com
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