ATM Kiosks

Automated Teller Machines or ATMs are the next big thing in banking solutions. Gone are the days when you had to wait for the bank to open before you could claim your own money. There is no need to wait in line and fill out numerous forms to gain access to your hard earned cash. These days all banks give their account holders an ATM card that gives them direct access to their accounts. All you have to do is visit one of their ATM machines, insert the card, punch in a PIN number or a Personal Identification Number and withdraw your money.

It's a no stress transaction that can take place in minutes. You can withdraw your money any time and in any place. But unfortunately crime has caught up with this technology as well. Since people walking out of an ATM kiosk are usually carrying hard cash, mugging has increased substantially in those areas.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your money at times like these. The first thing to remember is that you should be very careful with your PIN number. Never tell it to anyone or write it down especially not at the back of the card itself. Pick a number that is easy for you to remember and memorize it. Also never allow anyone to stand next to you when you are punching in that number. If the machine retains your card for any reason at all do not try to punch in the number again. Just leave and contact the bank.

Also when you are at the ATM machine be very alert of the people around you. Do not let people hover around you under the pretext of helping out. Also try not to allow people you don't know come to close to you when you are making your transactions. People who offer help at ATMs generally have their own agenda.

Try to pick an ATM that is in a well-lit area with a relatively large foot fall. This will help to avoid theft after the money has been removed. Also do not step out of the kiosk counting the money, this will only invite trouble. Count it and put it in your wallet or pocket inside the kiosk itself. Another vital thing to remember is to keep the receipt safely and destroy it before you discard it. If this is not done anyone can have access to the information of how much money you withdrew and are therefore carrying on your person.