ATMs Safety Tips

• Internet Banking Connectivity
• FAQ for Internet Banking Users
• Reporting Fraud
• Preventing Credit/Check Card Fraud
• ATMs Safety Tips
  • Card Skimming

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) provide for a convenient means to withdraw cash, make deposits, transfer funds, and make loan and credit card payments. VyStar Credit Union takes prudent measures to ensure your experience is a safe one such as:

• Placing ATMs in areas that are visible by passers-by,
• Lighting for use during night-time,
• Installing cameras,
• Keeping landscape and surrounding areas trimmed and maintained to prevent potential criminals from hiding,
• Limiting the amount of cash that can be withdrawn.

However, even with all of these measures in place, members should always use common sense when using an ATM. The following outlines some safety tips for using an ATM, but the best advice is simply not to use an ATM if you feel at all uncomfortable doing so.

• Do not use an ATM at the corner of a building as corners create a “blind spot”. Use an ATM located near the center of a building or plaza. Ensure the ATM is in a well-lighted location that is free of shrubbery and decorative partitions or dividers.
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. If you observe or sense suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine at that time.
• If you see anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave immediately. Be wary of people trying to help you with ATM transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car or loitering nearby. When leaving an ATM make sure you are not followed. If you are, drive immediately to a crowded, well-lighted location or business and call the police.
• Have your ATM/Check card out and ready to use.
• If you make deposits at an ATM, maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the machine.
• Don’t write your ATM personal identification number (PIN) on your card or keep the number in your wallet or purse.
• When performing your transactions at the ATM, don’t allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Use your body to block the view others may have as you perform your transaction.
• When using a drive-up ATM, keep you engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.
• Don’t withdraw large amounts of cash.
• Secure your money after the transaction. Don’t count your cash while standing at the ATM or after performing a transaction.
• Always take your receipt with you.
• If a robber demands your money, don’t argue or fight with the suspect. Note the robber’s description and give the robber the money.
• Get away as soon as it is safe to do so. Remember the money is not worth getting hurt over.
• Report all robberies to the police as soon as it is safe to do so by call 911.
• Contact VyStar Credit Union to report your lost or stolen ATM, Check or Credit Card at (904) 777-6000, option 2 or 800-445-6289, option 2.

Special Precautions for Using an ATM at Night

In combination with the safety tips above, here are some special precautions to take when using an ATM at night.

• Avoid using walk-up ATMs during nighttime hours.
• Take another person with you, if at all possible.
• Park close to the ATM in a well-lighted area.
• If the ATM is not well lit or lights are not working, shrubbery has overgrown the area, or there are areas of concealment that are not plainly visible, don’t use the ATM.
• If you leave your car to walk to an ATM, lock your car. Don’t leave the engine running or leave any valuables in your car.
• If you observe ANY suspicious activity or don’t feel comfortable, leave immediately.
• If you are followed, drive immediately to a crowded, well-lighted location or business and call the police.

ATM Fraud - Card Skimming

Recently, there has been a new type of fraud being perpetrated in the area.  This type of fraud is called card “skimming”.

What is skimming?  It's the illegal act of placing a skimming device (false face plate) over the card slot of an ATM.  These devices can look legitimate and come in different shapes and sizes – often matching the equipment on the machine. A camera/mirror device may also be affixed to the ATM to observe victims entering their personal identification number (PIN). A false key pad is sometimes used.

How does skimming work? When someone inserts their card to perform an ATM transaction, the card travels through the skimming device and the magnetic information on the card such as the name on the account, account number, and PIN embedded in the magnetic strip is recorded.  A camera/mirror is used to record the victim entering their PIN. 

Once a card is swiped, the information contained in the magnetic strip is stored in the electronic skimming device. At a later time, the criminal will return to the ATM and retrieve the skimming device and camera/mirror to obtain the victim's stolen card information. The magnetic strip is copied onto another card and the stolen PIN is matched to it. 

The ATM card account information as well as the matching PIN can be sold, used to order items online, to make counterfeit ATM/debit/credit cards or to withdraw money from the victim's accounts.

Most ATMs are not safe from this type of crime. Don't be a victim. When using an ATM always check the ATM equipment and the area around it closely for suspicious activity. Look for loose fitting (card slot) face plates. Be sure to hide your PIN whenever entering it into a machine.  If you think a skimming device has been placed on an ATM, notify police immediately.

NOTE: When a skimming device is placed on an ATM, the cardholder/victim can perform their ATM transactions unaware that their information has been recorded. Skimming operations often occur after hours and over weekends so criminals can retrieve the information prior to normal business hours.

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