ATM & Debit Card Safety

Using your ATM or debit card is a simple, hassle‐free way to get cash, make deposits, check
account balances, transfer funds, make purchases and more. To enjoy the many conveniences
debit offers, make protecting your ATM or debit card a priority. Here are some important safety
tips.

Treat your card like cash
Always store your card in a safe place.

Keep your PIN to yourself
No company or individual needs to know your PIN ... not even your financial institution.
Memorize your PIN, and r1ever write it on your card or store it with your card. Never let a
cashier, teller or other stranger enter your PIN for you.

Always be aware of your surroundings
When using an outdoor ATM such as in a parking lot, look for suspicious activity before you
begin your transaction.

Shop carefully online
If you initiate an online transaction and must provide personal data, look for indicators that the
site is secure, like "https" in the Web address or the closed padlock icon in the bottom frame of
your browser. It is also wise to conduct financial transactions on wired Internet connections
only. Wireless connections can be more vulnerable to attack.

Protect your card's magnetic stripe
Exposing your card's magnetic stripe to other magnetic objects can cause damage that will
make your card unusable.

Report a lost or stolen card at once
Call your financial institution right away if your card is lost or stolen to reduce the chance that it
will be used improperly. Immediate notice of lost or stolen cards also will limit your potential
liability for unauthorized transactions.

Review account statements regularly
Verify all transactions by matching receipts to account statements. Frequently reviewing
activity online helps identify unauthorized activity between monthly statements. Many
financial institutions offer free e‐mail alerts for routine account activity, as well as for unusual
transactions.

Never respond to an unsolicited request
The Internet is a common channel for fraud perpetration. Never provide your debit card
number, PIN or any other non‐public information to anyone in response to an unsolicited e‐
mail, pop‐up message or phone request. Your financial institution will never ask for your PIN.

 

Observe your surroundings before conducting a transaction
If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, leave the area at once. If you drive to an ATM,
park close to the terminal and observe the entire area from the safety of your car before
getting out.

Only use well‐lit, unobstructed ATMs
If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, leave the area and conduct your transaction at
another location.

Minimize time spent at the ATM
Get your card out and ready to use. When your transaction is complete, put your card, money
and receipt away, and immediately leave the area. Never count your money while at the ATM.
Only enter your PIN once for a transaction

If you are prompted to enter your PIN twice, or if you notice unusual messages on the screen,
go to another ATM. However, if there is a time out or if the transaction is canceled and you
enter your PIN a second time, check your statement to be sure the transaction does not appear
twice.

Block the view of others at an ATM
Prevent "shoulder surfing" by standing between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the
terminal. Shield the keypad as necessary when entering your PIN and transaction amount.

 

ATM tampering is one of the ways that "card skimming" occurs. If the ATM appears to have any
attachments or alterations to the card slot or keypad, do not use the terminal.