Be Alert! Protect Your Identity When Using ATMs
It has been estimated that $2.5 billion dollars are stolen through ATM fraud globally every year. While companies are looking into how they can slow this problem, there are a few simple rules that you can follow if you use cards at an automatic teller machine (ATM) for withdrawals, deposits or transferring funds.
1. Don’t share your PIN (personal identification number) with anyone, even representatives from your bank or credit company. They should never request it or need it for any reason. If someone claiming to be from your bank or credit card company asks for your PIN, do not give it to them.
2. Don’t write your PIN anywhere on your card or carry it on your person. Make sure that you memorize it.
3. Choose a PIN that is different from your other security numbers and has no resemblance to your birth date, driver’s license or social security identification. think of a number that cannot be easily associated with you.
4. Keep track of all your ATM receipts and take them home with you. Never throw them away in a public trash can. Shred your receipts once you no longer need them as some may have identifying information printed on them. Shredding paperwork is probably the simplest and most effective identity theft solution.
When using the ATM be aware that ‘shoulder surfers’ could be nearby. Shoulder surfers are identity thieves trying to gain information about you by monitoring your movements at the machine. Be safe when using an ATM. if someone is standing to close to you when using the machine ask them to move back. If they will not, do not continue with your transaction.
Be aware that equipment may be placed strategically to video your keystrokes. This equipment is placed above or near the card reader. The thieves may be hiding nearby watching you through a video camera as the equipment records your movements over the keypad. To foil this activity, place your hand over the keypad while you do your banking. Make sure you punch in your PIN in a covert manner. Shield your actions with your body to stop anyone lurking behind observing what you are doing.
Remember your identity can be stolen from ATMs at retails stores, where some employees use skimming devices to record information off the magnetic stripe. Make sure you keep a vigilant eye on your card as you hand it over to be ‘swiped’. The employee should keep your card visible at all times. If not, ask them to stop the transaction immediately and if you suspect they may have committed an identity theft, cancel you card at once.
Always be alert when using ATMs. If you think the machine has been tampered with in any way, don’t use it. If there is an overly helpful person hanging around the machine, go and find another one. They maybe a shoulder surfer and you don’t want to give them any of your personal information.
If you are concerned about your identity being stolen, there are services that can help. LifelockIdentity Theft Protection System is probably one of the best services on the market for helping you to prevent the theft of your identity. Register with them and rest assured that your identity is safe.
LifeLock is the only Identity Theft Prevention Solution backed by a one-million dollar guarantee!Click here to get a 10% discount.
