This page is provided as a service to the public, to encourage safety and security on your side of the ATM.

What is the best way to ensure personal safety and reduce risk when using an ATM?
What are the top tips for credit card safety, debit card safety and ATM card security?
What do I if my ATM card is lost or stolen?
What is the best way to ensure PIN debit security?

What is the best way to ensure personal safety and reduce risk when using an ATM?

• Check out the ATM surroundings if it is in the open air or in places like a convenience store or a garage. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. If anyone or anything appears to be suspicious, forget your transaction and leave the area at once.
• Be very wary of strangers trying to help you with transactions, especially if your card gets rejected. Since when did you need help using an ATM?
• If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM.
• Don't select an ATM at the corner of a building, corners create a blind spot. Use an ATM located near the centre of a building.
• Do not use an ATM that offers options you are not familiar with or comfortable with.
• It is a good idea to take along a companion when using an ATM, especially at night.
• If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lit and does not have hiding places nearby.
• Minimise time spent at the ATM by having your card ready to use.
• Keep a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork before you arrive at the ATM. This will minimise the amount of time spent at the machine.
• Do not let anyone see how much money you withdraw, and never count your money at the ATM.
• Stand between the ATM and anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or transaction amount.
• When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to manoeuvre between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
• Look for any device attached to the ATM. If the ATM looks different or appears to have any alterations or attachments to the card slot or PIN keypad, do not use it.
• Avoid using freestanding ATMs, where the back of the machine is exposed, and can be tampered with.
• When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately.
• If anyone follows you after you have completed your ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.

What are the top tips for credit card safety, debit card safety and ATM card security?

• Treat your card like cash. Keep it in a safe place.
• Sign your new card as soon as you receive it.
• If your card company allows you to choose a favourite image for your card, use a passport photograph which acts as a failsafe against point-of-sale impersonation.
• If you have access to online banking, take a couple of minutes to check your account daily.
• Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret. Don’t write it down and carry it around with you, and on no account keep your PIN jotted down in your wallet.
• Do not disclose card information over the phone to anyone. No one needs to know your PIN, not your bank, not your building society. Nobody.  Anyone who asks you to confirm your PIN number by telling it to them is acting fraudulently and possibly criminally.
• Never, ever disclose information about your card in response to any e-mail or request. Emails that ask for card information are ALL fraudulent, even if they have bank logos and look official.
• Make certain your Internet shopping sites are secure. Look for the ”golden padlock” symbol in your browser window, and double-click on it to check out the security certificate.  If you are in doubt about any ecommerce site, check it out using Google by typing in their name and words like “fraud”.
• Protect your card's magnetic stripe. Do not expose your card's magnetic stripe to magnetic objects like loudspeakers.
• Keep all records of card purchases and ATM withdrawals in a safe place and carefully review your account statements as soon as they arrive.  Report any withdrawals that you don’t recognise.
• Be aware of the expiration date on your card. If you do not receive a reissued card before the expiration date, notify customer service. Once you receive a reissued card, destroy your old card
• There is absolutely no reason to carry every single credit card you own around with you. Not only can that lead to frivolous spending, it can lead to serious credit card safety mishaps. Only carry the credit cards that you absolutely need and keep your other credit cards locked up in a personal safe.

What do I do if my ATM card is lost or stolen?

• Report your card lost or stolen immediately. No matter where you are, report lost or stolen cards to minimise loss and liability.
• Notify all of merchants, utilities and suppliers with whom you've set up automatic bill payments.
• Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM eats your card. Contact a bank official.
• Do not accept help from strangers at the ATM.
• If the worst happens, and you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, don’t argue. COMPLY.

What is the best way to ensure PIN debit security?

• Never allow a cashier or anyone else to enter your PIN for you, even if they are assisting you with the transaction.
• Block the view of others when using a payment terminal.
• Be sure the transaction is complete and you have received a receipt before leaving.
• If you received cash-back, put the cash away before leaving the terminal.

When using an outdoor POS terminal such as at a garage, observe your surroundings before making a transaction. If anything looks suspicious, leave the area at once.