Do’s and Don’ts of transacting at an ATM

ATMs have proved to be a boon for the financial economy. Modern day customers don’t have to visit Bank Branches for Cash related transactions. With interoperability among various Bank ATMs you can withdraw funds form your account using other Bank’s ATMs paying a nominal fee (which maybe waived depending on type of your account).

Here are some Do’s that one should be careful of while using an ATM:

• “Privacy” is a key word while transacting over an ATM. Make sure that no one is watching your ATM screen and your Keypad where you punch in your PIN and other details.
• Always immediately inform your Bank in case you loose your Debit or Credit Card. Lost of Stolen, these instances should be informed to the Bank asap so that same may be blocked to avoid any unauthorized transaction.
• Everytime you transact, be sure to cross-check transaction alerts received from your Bank via Text or e-mail or your Bank account statement.
  
• Always keep your mobile number updated with your Bank so that each and every transaction is reported to you by Text or Calls from your Bank on real time basis. Keeping your contact details updated also keeps you posted about latest offers and any-time access to your bank account.
• Once you’ve completed your transaction at the ATM, make sure that the default ‘Welcome Screen’ is displayed on ATM screen when you are about to leave
• Do remember to keep your eyes and ears open when entering the ATM premises. You may observe suspicious movements in your vicinity who may try to influence you to gain access to your account.
• Globally all ATMs look pretty similar and this is done to allow users to figure out if something is out of place. Be on the lookout for any suspicious gadgets or devices attached to the ATMs. Refrain from transacting at a suspicious ATM
• If the ATM machine fails to disburse Cash or there is any dispenser related error, bring this to Bank’s notice immediately.
  

Aforementioned Do’s will help you stay safe while transacting at an ATM. Conversely one has to be careful about Don’ts to be followed at the ATM:

• You may have received several texts and e-mails form your Bank that none of their employees will ever ask you your PIN, please keep this in mind at all times. If your Debit card is stolen, your PIN is last line of defence against any fraudulent transaction.
• To keep your Debit Card or Credit Card safe, don’t let it go our of sight when making payment at POS kiosks.
• Never ever write your ATM PIN anywhere, period! Memorize your PIN and avoid having PIN which may be easily guessed, like your Date of Birth, House or Flat number, your Car’s number, etc.
• When at the ATM, Don’t take help from strangers in order to transact. Stranger may even ask you to Handover your card in an attempt to help you, this compromises your safety.
• As pictorially suggested near the ATMs don’t wear caps or helmets while transacting and also avoid use of Mobile phone.