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As part of its National ATM/Debit Card Security Awareness Campaign, PULSE offers the
following useful security recommendations.
ATM/Debit Card Security
- Treat your card like cash.
Keep it in a safe place.
- Keep your personal
identification number (PIN) a secret.
- Do not disclose card
information over the phone to anyone. No one needs to know your PIN, not even
your financial institution.
- Report a lost or stolen card
at once.
- Carefully review your
account statements.
Security Tips at Walk-Up ATMs
- Observe the ATM surroundings
before approaching a walk-up ATM. If anyone or anything appears to be
suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave the area at once.
- If an ATM is obstructed from
view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. It is a good idea to take along a
companion when using an ATM, especially at night.
- Minimize time spent at the
ATM by having your card out and ready to use. Do not let anyone see how much
money you withdrew, and never count your money at the ATM.
- Never allow a stranger to
assist you in conducting an ATM transaction, even if you have trouble or if
your card is stuck.
- Stand between the ATM and
anyone waiting to use the terminal so that others cannot see your PIN or
transaction amount.
- Look for possible fraudulent
devices attached to the ATM. If the ATM looks different or appears to have any
alterations or attachments to the card slot or PIN pad, do not use it.
Security Tips at Drive-Up ATMs
- Keep the doors locked,
windows up and engine running at all times when waiting in line.
- Leave enough room between
cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary.
- Before lowering the window
to use a drive-up ATM, observe the entire surrounding area. If anyone or
anything appears to be suspicious, cancel your transaction and drive away at
once.
- Minimize time spent at the
ATM by having your card out and ready to use. Once your transaction is
complete, take your money, card and receipt and immediately drive away from the
terminal.
- If anyone follows you after
you have completed your ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit
area and call the police.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Security
- Never allow the 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 POS terminal.
- Be sure the transaction is
complete and you have received a receipt before leaving.
- If you received cash back,
put it away before leaving the terminal.
- When using an outdoor POS
terminal such as at a gas station, observe your surroundings before making a
transaction. If anything looks suspicious, leave the area at once.
- It is a good idea to take
someone with you when using an outdoor POS terminal at night.
- If anyone follows you after
you have completed your POS transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lit
area and call the police.
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