Despite the efforts of our local banks or financial institutions to make banking easier, faster, and convenient to everyone through online and mobile banking, there are still a lot of people out there who prefer to perform their banking transactions the traditional way by going to the bank or ATM machines.
We can’t blame them because they’ve probably had a bad experience before or they knew someone who had been a victim of online banking fraud.
But do you think the traditional way of banking is exempted of fraud or is 100% safe?
With all the kinds of frauds and scams happening in our society right now, both offline and online banking are at risk of fraud.
TIPS TO AVOID ATM CARD FRAUD
- Nominate a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as soon as your receive your ATM Card.
You may write it down on a safe notebook or paper but try not to label it under your specific card (example BDO PIN) because when it gets lost and someone finds it, it would be easier for them to identify that that PIN is for that particular ATM card, thus giving them easy access to your account.
You may use acronyms or codes instead that only you can recognize. (Example for BDO, you may use numbers like 2(B)-4(D)-15(O). Sorry, it may be a complicated example but I hope you got what I meant).
- Do not use your Birth Date as ATM PIN.
I know a lot of my friends who are still using their birth date as their ATM PINs.
It might be convenient for them because it’s easy to remember, but don’t you know that it’s also easy for other people to guess?
What if you dropped your wallet with your ATM cards and IDs in it?
Do you think the person who finds it will not attempt to guess your PIN using your personal information from your IDs?
You’re lucky if the person who found it is honest enough to give it back to you. But what if they don’t? It’s like giving them the key to your money vault.
- Keep your ATM PIN confidential.
Don’t tell anyone about your PIN.
If for some reason you had to lend it to someone (your spouse or a family member), make sure you change it immediately after they use it.
- Regularly change your ATM PIN.
It might be a hassle going to the bank or ATM machine just to change your PIN, but it’s worth it if your intention is really to keep your account safe.
Also, update your contact information with your Branch of Account.
If you just got married and you need to change your status, go to the bank and have it updated.
If you changed your mobile number or email address, do the same. It’s always best to update your account information.
- Sign at the signature panel at the back of your card.
Not all bank officers or cashiers in the malls check the signature on your ATM card when you make a transaction with them, but it’s still better to have your signature on it for security purposes.
- Transact only in well-lighted or safe areas with ATM.
Even if there’s an urgent need to withdraw cash, always be mindful of your safety first. Go to a safe area with ATM, preferably with a Guard on Duty, when you withdraw money.
- Quickly check around the ATM machine, the screen or keypad if something looks weird.
If something looks suspicious, approach the Guard on Duty or the bank officer and let them check the ATM machine to make sure everything’s okay.
- Cover the PIN pad when keying-in your ATM PIN at an ATM or POS terminals.
Use your other hand to cover the PIN pad or move your body closer to the machine to prevent other people from taking a peek of your screen.
- Do not entertain strangers offering assistance while using an ATM.
Ask the Guard on Duty or a bank officer instead when you need assistance while using the ATM machine, but never ever entertain strangers. They might have good intentions, but it’s still better to be cautious at all times.
- Get your card, cash, and receipt immediately after your transaction.
You may count the money while you’re still there especially if there’s a Guard on Duty, but I suggest you put it into your wallet or bag right away, and count it inside the bank instead.
Why? I’m sure you don’t want the other people behind you to count your money silently as you do. You’re giving them an idea of how much you have just withdrawn. They might not have any negative intentions, but how can you be so sure?
When you get to a safer place (like inside the bank), count your money inside your bag if you can, then check if you got the exact amount that’s shown on your receipt. If there’s any discrepancy, report it to the bank officer or GOD immediately.
I hope you found these tips helpful. If you know of other tips or suggestions for safe banking, please feel free to share them below at the comments section.
Please like and share to your family and friends.
Speak Your Mind