Seven tips for using ATMs safely this festive season

It is a time for a lot of visitors from in and around South Africa to tour the cities and neighborhoods of this beautiful land. And of course, with so much money that tourism tends to bring and all the bonuses spent during this time, there will be some perpetrators lurking on the scene.

ATMs are especially among the popular places where perpetrators find their victims. So to serve as just a little reminder, here are seven tips for using ATMs safely this festive season (and all other seasons really): 

1. Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings

ATMs situated in corners of buildings most probably have blind spots, so avoid using these ATMs. Rather opt for an ATM that is in a well-lit public location. Also, if you notice any suspicious persons sitting in a parked car anywhere nearby the ATM, cancel your transaction and leave immediately.

2. Hide your pin

This is an easy one, but during the busy season of festivity and holiday, it is vital to make sure that your pin is always protected; you never know who might be lurking.

3. Be wary of error messages on the screen

If you are uncomfortable with a message on the ATM screen or see unusual options with which you are not familiar, it would be best not to proceed with that machine.

4. Be wary of people who try to ‘assist’

Should you encounter a message on the ATM screen that has an instruction you need to follow before you begin your transaction, seek another machine or ask for clarity from an official of that bank. If someone just conveniently wants to help explain the unfamiliar message, refuse the offer (because they weren’t even meant to know you needed an explanation in the first place).

5. Avoid cash withdrawals after drinking generous quantities of alcohol

If you are going out late for an occasion, it’s probably better to withdraw some cash at the beginning of the evening so that you don’t need to worry about the impairments you might be challenged with after having some alcoholic beverages. One of these impairments is becoming more trusting to ‘helpful’ strangers who may take advantage of you and your bank details. Also, there’s the risk of forgetting your money in the machine or even forgetting your bank card. Rather be safe than sorry, you know. 

6. Check ATM receipts

As we know, fraud isn’t just limited to the ATM machine, so always take note of your receipts in correspondence with your bank statements. You should always request a receipt after your transactions. 

7. Alternative withdrawals

There are alternative ways of withdrawing money if, at any point, you are wary of using an ATM. Certain stores, for instance, offer a Money Market where you can send and receive money. All you need is your Identity Document and a fee of around R10 (applicable only when you are transferring cash). EFTs (Electronic Fund Transfer) are also a preferred alternative for cash withdrawal because although you’re using an ATM, you don’t need to have your bank card.

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