Safety First! Protect Yourself at the ATM

If you visit ATMs, follow these best practices to ensure your safety and minimize exposure to potential theft or fraud.
 

 Choose Wisley

Before you head over to an ATM, take a look around you. Your safety can depend a lot on your surroundings. Is it dark? Are there sightline barriers such as bushes and shrubs? Is the ATM located on a blind corner of the building? Are there suspicious people around? Is anyone sitting nearby in a parked car? If so, this probably isn’t the ATM for you. Best bet is to just leave and find another, safer ATM.

 Pay Attention

You may be great at multitasking, but keep focused on the task at hand. Don’t text or talk on the phone while you’re at an ATM, and never count your money while standing there. Criminals love people who are distracted. Walk confidently to the ATM and pay attention to your environment. Follow your instincts—if you feel uncomfortable with what’s going on around you, just leave and take your business to a safer location. Finally, keep an eye on the ATM itself. Look for anything suspicious, such as a skimming fraud device attached to the ATM.

 Come Prepared

Have your card out and ready to use before you visit an ATM. If you’re making a deposit, have your deposit envelope already prepared or go to an ATM that accepts deposits without envelopes. A great idea is to keep a supply of them in your car. If you can, bring a friend along to keep you company, and keep you safe. If you’re using a drive-up ATM, make sure your car doors are locked and windows rolled up. And while you wouldn’t think so, it’s easy to forget your transaction receipt. Be sure you take that with you.

Protect Your PIN

Use your hand to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN, just in case there’s a camera located nearby trying to record your information. If someone is behind you, shield the keypad with your body as well. Keep your PIN a secret and never write it down or share it with anyone. Certainly don’t write it on the back of your card!

If your UNIFY ATM or Debit Card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately by phoning our Contact Center at 877.254.9328.