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Entry bubble ATM Safety

By: Colleen | July 09, 2008 | Category: Money

I pretty much live in a cashless universe. It's a rare day when I have over two dollars in my wallet. ATM

I've been just fine using my credit/debit card for pretty much everything. In the rare occasion I need cash, I simply make a withdrawal (or "tap MAC" as Philly folks say) from whatever ATM is closest.

This was not something I ever thought twice about until recently when ATM safety came up in the news.

In an era of identity theft, we have to be super careful to protect all of our private information. Apparently, it's very easy for an ATM machine to retain your account information after you've swiped your card. This is particularly more common for machines found at convenience stores or bars and restaurants. Using an ATM at your bank's branch office is much safer, as they are videotaped and constantly maintained.

Another thing you must be mindful of is your PIN. It should be changed frequently (strike one for me) and a different number should be used for each account (strike two).

To protect yourself, it's important to monitor your account frequently. Keep ATM use to your bank. And always select the "credit" option over "debit" to minimize PIN usage.

Have you been a victim of ATM identity theft? Any pointers?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: atm   colleen   credit   debit   identity   money   safety   theft  

Comments (4):

blue comment bubble Posted by holalola on July 09, 2008 at 02:45 PM EDT

I understand it's always best to use a credit card over an ATM card to make purchases because credit card companies offer more protection to their clients. However, I'm not sure if that protection extends to bank credit cards. Any help on the matter would be appreciated.

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blue comment bubble Posted by wd on July 09, 2008 at 07:08 PM EDT

I do not have a "cash card" but I understand that more and more banks are offering the same protection for their ATM/cash cards that the credit card companies are offering. Might be a good idea to check with your own bank. But then I have never seen a need for a cash card when a credit card for purchases and an ATM (NOT a cash) card for when only green will do the job, are easily available - and the protections are unquestioned.

On the other hand, if self-discipline is an issue . . .

w.d.

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blue comment bubble Posted by vikki on July 11, 2008 at 01:56 PM EDT

Atm cards are just a great thing to have-till someone compramises the card-and help is far from becoming a reality...as for credit cards, where help and protection is always there"incase"..but-we have learned to live with them-and cannot do without them-so even though we understand their "faults"-we still use them in our everyday lives..

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blue comment bubble Posted by Prinze Reignr of No Fax Payday Loans on August 07, 2008 at 04:47 AM EDT

First of all I want to commend your site. It is very informative and gives one a knowledge on things that he should be aware of. Especially these days scams and identity theft is now a common issue but still a lot have been victimized. ATM and credit are cards are the most prone to identity theft, but we should also be aware that there are lending institutions like maybe No fax payday loans that may unintentionally transfer our financial information because of their lack of security on that matter. So, take note if ever we are interested of getting committed to them be sure first to know of how do they protect the identity and privacy of their clients. This site will help anyone on to have a knowledge how these things done for their identity safety and security of their clients.
http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/

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