Different modi operandi abound nowadays when it comes to stealing money from people withdrawing from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Robberies can happen even if you're not withdrawing at a late hour, so no matter what time of the day it is, it's important to take precautions.
Ace Esmeralda, resident security officer of SecurityMatters Magazine, tells GMANews.tv that ATMs are a frequent robbers' haunt because they are open 24/7. Thieves also feel assured that people who go there will always have money with them because individuals go to ATMs specifically to withdraw.
You can take steps to keep yourself safe and prevent yourself from being victimized the next time you visit an ATM. Read on for tips from Esmeralda as reported on GMANews.TV:
1. LOOK AROUND CAREFULLY TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY SUSPICIOUS-LOOKING INDIVIDUALS BEFORE YOU WITHDRAW.
Esmeralda says it's safer to withdraw at places where there already is a long line of people.
2. DON'T COUNT YOUR MONEY AFTER WITHDRAWING.
If you have the habit of making sure the money you withdraw is the exact amount you asked for, it's time to break it. Immediately keep your money, advises Esmeralda.
3. SHIELD THE ENTIRE ATM WITH YOUR BODY AS YOU INPUT YOUR PIN. DON'T ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET DISTURBED.
GMANews.TV warns against a modus operandi, in which the robber memorizes your PIN (Personal Identification Number) as you punch it into the machine. He then pretends to drop something on the ground and exchanges your card for a fake one while you pick it up. Afterward, he can easily withdraw all your money.
Watch the video from GMANews.TV below to learn about the rest of the tips.
Check out these other articles for more safety tips:
(Photo by Kaeru via Flickr Creative Commons)
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