When using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), certain actions are either impossible or strictly advised against to ensure your personal and financial security. Understanding these limitations and best practices is crucial for a safe banking experience.
Key Actions to Avoid at an ATM
Your primary goal at an ATM should be to protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and your account information. Here are critical actions you should not take:
Do Not Re-enter Your PIN if Your Card Is Retained
If an ATM unexpectedly retains or "eats" your debit or credit card, it is crucial that you do not attempt to re-enter your PIN in an effort to retrieve your card or complete your transaction. The machine will not return your card by re-entering the PIN, and doing so could potentially expose your PIN if the ATM has been tampered with.
- What to do instead: If your card is retained by an ATM, immediately contact a bank official or your financial institution. Use a trusted phone number, such as one found on your bank's official website or a statement, rather than any number posted near the ATM, which could be part of a scam. For more general ATM safety guidelines, including what to do if your card is swallowed, consult resources like the FDIC's ATM safety tips.
Avoid Storing Your PIN with Your Card
A fundamental rule for ATM security is to never compromise the confidentiality of your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Never write your ATM PIN on your card itself.
- Do not keep your PIN written down in your wallet or anywhere else alongside your card.
If your wallet or card is lost or stolen, having your PIN readily available would grant thieves immediate access to your bank account, leading to potential significant financial loss. It is always best to memorize your PIN and keep it secure in your mind.
Essential ATM Best Practices
While not something you "cannot do," certain practices are essential to uphold the security standards that prevent unauthorized actions at an ATM.
Always Protect Your PIN Entry
When you are entering your PIN on the keypad, always use your other hand or body to shield the keypad from view. This simple but effective action helps prevent "shoulder surfing," where criminals attempt to glimpse your PIN as you type it. Protecting your PIN during entry is as vital as not writing it down.
Summary of ATM Security Don'ts
| Action to Avoid | Why You Cannot/Should Not Do It | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Re-entering PIN if card is retained | It will not return your card and could compromise your PIN if the ATM is compromised. | Immediately contact a bank official. Use a trusted phone number from your bank's official website or statements. |
| Writing PIN on card or keeping it in wallet | Makes your account highly vulnerable if your card or wallet is lost or stolen, allowing unauthorized access to your funds. | Memorize your PIN. Keep it separate from your card, ideally only in your memory. |
| Ignoring surroundings during PIN entry | Increases the risk of "shoulder surfing," where someone observes your PIN as you enter it. | Cover the keypad with your free hand or body while entering your PIN to shield it from view. Maintain awareness of your surroundings. |
By adhering to these crucial safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and ensure a more secure banking experience at ATMs.
