At Stone Bank, we take our customers’ safety very seriously and take a number of precautions when it comes to protecting you at the ITM/ATM. For instance, our ITMs/ATMs are in well-lit, secure areas to ensure safety and ease of access.
However, it’s important to remember the role you play in protecting yourself. As with other banking platforms, you are the greatest defense when it comes to the security of your personal information.
So, on your next visit to the ITM/ATM, keep these safety precautions in mind and proactively protect yourself from crime at an ITM/ATM.
Keep your personal identification number (PIN) just that – personal. Never write it down or share it with anyone – not even family members.
Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you see any suspicious activity, like a person waiting around in the area or if there aren’t any lights around, avoid using that machine and find another in a more public area.
Have your debit card ready to go as you approach the ITM/ATM. If you need to search through your purse or wallet, you’ll give criminals more of a chance to catch you off guard.
Use your body to “shield” the ITM/ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN. If someone seems to be lingering behind you, walk away and come back later. This helps defend your information from “shoulder surfers”.
Always take your receipts or transaction records with you. This will avoid any of your personal information getting into the wrong hands. Make sure you have finished our ATM/ITM session before you leave.
Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. After taking your money out of the ITM/ATM, immediately place the cash in your purse or wallet, and count it later.
If you’re using a drive-up ITM/ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ITM/ATM, lock your car. It can also help to turn down the radio so you can be more alert.
Check the ATM for a card skimmer. A card skimmer is a device attached to the payment terminal of an ITM/ATM that is used to steal your card information when inserting your card to withdraw money. You can often spot a card skimmer with your own inspection. If the card reader slot feels loose or is oddly a different color scheme than the bank’s branding, or the keyboard doesn’t feel right (too thick, buttons don’t press easily, etc.), these are often signs that a skimmer is in place.
Be Aware of People Offering “Help”. One of the latest ITM/ATM scams is where scammers put glue in the card slot. When users try to use the machine, it doesn’t work, and the “helper” informs the user that the card reader is not working but the “tap” function will work. The user uses the tap function, gets his/her money, and leaves. The “helper” takes advantage of the still open session and continues to make withdrawals. Beware of anyone offering help at an ITM/ATM machine and make sure you click done to end your transaction.
If you have any issues or security concerns, please let your Bank know as soon as possible!