ATM safety tips to help you keep your money safe
Correspondent | Tuesday January 31, 2023 06:00
Notwithstanding, it is highly imperative to be vigilant at one’s physical location which are Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) to further bolster one’s banking safety and security.
Securing your information
Security experts recommend never writing down your ATM PIN. Instead, if you’re having problems remembering your current PIN number, think of one that you won’t forget (like a particular/significant date in your life) in the likes of your anniversary, graduation year or perhaps your wedding day and for FNB customers it’s even more easier cause one can change their pins at the ATM.
It may seem convenient to leave your ATM card on your desk at work or at home but anytime it’s not with you, it’s that much more susceptible to falling into the wrong hands. It is therefore more convenient to find a safe space to keep it at all times.
It’s easy to panic when you lose your ATM card. But try to remember the fact that FNB doesn’t want you to lose money either. The FNB App provides features to better protect your card by allowing you to temporarily block and unblock your card if misplaced. And in the event that it is lost for good, you can cancel your card on the FNB App, and order a new one. You can also report fraud on the FNB App if you suspect your card or account has been compromised in any way.
Safeguarding yourself by the ATM
Try to make ATM transactions with someone where possible because criminals are less likely to target someone who has got a partner looking out for them and always remember to never use an ATM that appears to be broken, have a strange screen or tampered with or force your card into it. Before entering your PIN, carefully read the instructions on the ATM screen and 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.
It’s natural to want to count your money after making a withdrawal but doing so can give a crook an idea of how much money you took out while providing them extra time to approach you with ill intents. Remember to also 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.
Stay vigilant
Never let someone distract you when you are making a transaction; instead, stand near the ATM and advise them to wait until you are done with your transaction because this could be a moment that they get your confidential information. FNBB encourages cardless cash withdrawals at FNB ATMs as they are always safe and secure.
While the above tips may make the threat of ATM crime seem scary, none of the information is meant to alarm you. Ideally, it will help you feel less worried and more empowered knowing that you have taken the necessary precautions to secure yourself and your information.