ATM Tips

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from fraudsters, courtesy of the Global ATM Security Alliance and the Waterloo Regional Police Fraud Branch
 
Choosing a Bank Machine:

• Use ATMs with which you are most familiar 
• Notice if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the ATM indicating it might have been altered. If the ATM appears to have any attachments to the card slot or key pad, do not use it. Check for unusual instructions on the display screen and for suspicious blank screens.
• If you suspect that the ATM has been interfered with, proceed to another ATM and inform the bank or the police if after bank hours
• Avoid ATMs that have messages or signs fixed to them indicating that the screen directions have been changed, especially if the message is posted over the card reader
• Banks and other ATM owners will not put up messages directing you to specific ATMs, nor would they direct you to use an ATM which has been altered.

 
Using a Bank Machine:

• Be especially cautious when strangers offer to help you at an ATM, even if your card is stuck or you are experiencing difficulty with the transaction. You should not allow anyone to distract you while you are at the ATM.
• Be on the look-out for individuals who might be watching you enter your PIN number.
• Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your hand when keying in your PIN number. 
• Never force your card into the card slot.
• Keep your printed transaction record so that you can compare your ATM receipts to your monthly statement.
• If your card gets jammed, retained or lost, or if you are interfered with at an ATM, report this immediately to the bank and/or police using the help line provided or nearest phone.

 
Managing your ATM use:

• Memorize your PIN number.
• NEVER disclose your PIN to anyone, whether to family member, bank staff or police.
• Do not use obvious and guessable numbers for your PIN like your date of birth.
• Change your PIN periodically, and, if you think it may have been compromised, change it immediately.  
• Set your daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch at levels you consider reasonable.
• Please note that you should show the same precautionary care when using your card(s) at a POS (point of sale) pin pad terminal.