Tips on keeping yourself safe at ATMs machines

[bitbollo]

I would add, that in some cases there are bank accounts that provide also insurance for ATM withdrawal.
It means that in case you get robbed you have a full recover of the amount you get stolen (skimmer are excluded but physical robbery not).
Definitely a nice idea to do at least in my view since allow people to be safe while get cash...

[Yablee0]

Yes there are scammers everywhere and one need to be extremely careful when it comes to using the atm machine, because not everyone you see on an atm stand are there to widraw money some are there for an illegal mission.

For you to be save :

- Don’t allow someone standing at your back while carrying out your transaction.

-don't not request for an assistant from someone you don't know, when in doubt always call the attention of the bank security.

-Always be vigilant someone could be monitoring you.
  There are some other ways that are not even mentioned. But I pray we don't fall victim to this fraudsters thank you.

[Queentoshi]

...

I like that you're taking the initiative to educate yourself and others about cyber security, especially relating to the safety usage of the ATM card. After using an ATM, it’s very important to dispose of receipts properly. These receipts usually contain sensitive information like partial card numbers, which scammers can have use for. So, it is advisable to shred them or take them with you instead of just throwing them away. Always be vigilant and aware of who is around you while you’re withdrawing cash or doing any other thing on the ATM machine. Remember to always prioritize your safety and security when handling financial transactions.  Your final thoughts about thinking faster than your opponent is very wise and can apply to many situations in life, especially in terms of being proactive about security.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

I was enjoying the whole thing until i saw what he said here. There is no way an ATM machine can display your card information including your pin  on receipt. It is nearly impossible to see such things happening. Any bank that will do that will be shutdown completely. The occurrence of ATM pin hack is not too rapid in our society but that doesnt mean there isnt people who are plotting to steal through ATM machines.

The Op of that thread just don’t know what he or she is saying, didn’t study properly what they are trying to write about before coming here to talk about what don’t exist in a physical ATM machine talk more of extending his talk down to bitcoin ATM machine, even local POS machines don’t show card number talk more of ATM machines.

And there’s something else that doesn’t add up, like this, for example:

... and also withdrawing money in an crowded areas one can easily get pickpockets so let notes on this...

Actually, the safest time to withdraw money is when you're in a crowded area. Being in a dark, isolated place at night while withdrawing money is much riskier, although it depends on the area. Obviously, if you've withdrawn money in a busy area, you need to take precautions and store it securely, but it's generally one of the safest options.

[Salahmu]

You have given a logical explanation on that, however some of the things you said is the responsibility of the bank because as a day to day business they are doing I believe they are supposed to have an employed personal making sure those things doesn't happen on the ATM machine. However tossing out transaction slip may not give any scammer the chance to penetrate your account but is not good tossing it anyhow because is normally through data information can be assemble, so the name of the account and sometimes account number can still be on that slip or more. For the aspect of pressing a cancelation button after using the ATM is the one I feel there is no need because after the ATM dispenses the money it automatically ask you if you want to continue or quite, so when quite it dispenses you back your ATM card and go back to the home page, so nothing anybody can do about it because your information is already sealded.

[davis196]

The best tip to stay safe while using an ATM machine is to.. never use an ATM machine. Just shop with your debit card. Nowadays almost all merchants accept debit card payments. There's no reason to withdraw and use fiat money anymore. The banks in my country have increased the withdrawal fees at ATMs, which sucks. I've been using only one ATM machine and the ATM is located inside a bank, which gives extra security. However, I don't withdraw cash that often. I just use my debit card for everyday purchases.

[Wexnident]

~

Curious, how does presssing the buttons make you discover is a machine has a skimming device? Like I know if it's slop shoddy work yeah then it might just fall off or be pretty obvious, but what if it's a pretty good attachment? Just curious about it.

For the other two it's just standard practice at this point imo. If you don't know how to do that then whoever taught you (or guided you) to using ATMs sucked at teaching lmao. Though personally I myself just picked up doing stuff like that. Idk, it seems pretty common sense to just hide it when you're doing something that relates to giving access to your money.

[Strongkored]

I always have a principle to use ATM machines located in crowded locations, for example in offices, in shopping centers or other crowded locations, because this can prevent us from criminal acts, for example skimming because ATM machines located in crowded places make it difficult for criminals to place skimming devices, and stay alert because criminals are everywhere and don't trust strangers when making transactions, because even the closest people can betray you, let alone strangers.

[Yucky]

I don't really like going to the ATM points to get money because  bad people can monitor your movement. So to avoid stories that touch, I prefer doing wireless transfers these days. I use my phone to make the transfer instead of making use of my card. This is because I know some machines, aside from ATM machines, can literally imprint on your card and get your information.

[Jawhead999]

I don't really like going to the ATM points to get money because  bad people can monitor your movement. So to avoid stories that touch, I prefer doing wireless transfers these days. I use my phone to make the transfer instead of making use of my card. This is because I know some machines, aside from ATM machines, can literally imprint on your card and get your information.

The disadvantage of digital fiat/fiat payment processor is they charge small amount fees per each transaction, in my country they charge 1%. Another disadvantage is they can track our activity, when you create your account, you've submitted your identity and you show your real name.

Customer data is really useful for companies because they can learn customer behavior to make better product or convince people to buy their product.

[Bazzu]

I always have a principle to use ATM machines located in crowded locations, for example in offices, in shopping centers or other crowded locations, because this can prevent us from criminal acts, for example skimming because ATM machines located in crowded places make it difficult for criminals to place skimming devices, and stay alert because criminals are everywhere and don't trust strangers when making transactions, because even the closest people can betray you, let alone strangers.

Yes, we really need to take a cautious attitude to prevent unwanted things,it all depends on us choosing an ATM machine that is in a fairly crowded location and that is one way to avoid crime, that is the right decision, although the opportunity for crime is always there, yes, at least we always apply vigilance when we make transactions and that is what needs to be applied to maintain our own safety.

[moneystery]

there is something i need to add, always tear the atm receipt when you have finished making a transaction. indeed this is a trivial thing, usually people leave receipts carelessly when they have finished leaving the atm or after finishing a transaction at the edc machine. however, not many of us understand that it can be a loophole for criminals to break into our accounts. the scheme is simple, the criminal only takes the receipt, makes fake data, then goes to the bank branch office stating that their atm is lost. there have been many cases in my city like that, and people are asked to tear up the receipt after they have finished making a payment to prevent this.

[Ever-young]

I don't really like going to the ATM points to get money because  bad people can monitor your movement. So to avoid stories that touch, I prefer doing wireless transfers these days. I use my phone to make the transfer instead of making use of my card. This is because I know some machines, aside from ATM machines, can literally imprint on your card and get your information.

Getting used to making use of mobile banking and paying with transfer was just like something we didn’t do much in my country until the last cashless policy during our local currency re-designing now I have also join many who don’t make withdrawal anymore for anything I want to buy almost every shop now have a POS machine and a fast transfer receiving bank account, but for purpose of transportation you will still need to have little cash with you unless you have where you get those for free and you do transfer for them if not their are cases which the use of that your card will be needed.

[Zadicar]

there is something i need to add, always tear the atm receipt when you have finished making a transaction. indeed this is a trivial thing, usually people leave receipts carelessly when they have finished leaving the atm or after finishing a transaction at the edc machine. however, not many of us understand that it can be a loophole for criminals to break into our accounts. the scheme is simple, the criminal only takes the receipt, makes fake data, then goes to the bank branch office stating that their atm is lost. there have been many cases in my city like that, and people are asked to tear up the receipt after they have finished making a payment to prevent this.

How?

I dont really see for this to be that so simple on which there's no way that you can give or verify out if ever they would really be asking those informations. Let say that you do make out some complaint
in regarding on a certain receipt. So what would be your complaint? Cash didnt go out? Or whatever it would be. This is why receipts will be just that leave out or being thrown out immediate on the side of the ATM,
because if you would really be that trying out to look and see then what are the informations you would really be able to make use? Lets say you do have that amount but the entire account # isnt complete and only on the last digits. What would you do? This is why i dont buy up such reasoning about making use of those receipts for having that kind of loophole on taking up some advantage. It cant be just that possible.

As for ATM's then the primary thing that you should be that trying to check is about skimming and someone do knows your pin code on which this is the most important thing that you should avoid and be always be vigilant around at the time that you do make withdrawals.

[Mame89]

What you said is all useful, we really have to be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs because nowadays there are so many criminals around ATMs and these criminals have various fraud methods to ensnare victims when withdrawing money from ATMs. In my country there was a case of fraud at an ATM machine, There was a group of three people who propped up the ATM with toothpicks. So they worked together in carrying out their actions, one person blocked the ATM with a toothpick. So when the victim inserted his card, the card could not come out because it was stuck with a toothpick. Then the second perpetrator came, pretending to be able to take the victim's card, but exchanged it by giving a modified card.

This fake card can enter even though the card slot is blocked with a toothpick, then the victim just believes it, but when entering the PIN, it fails. The perpetrator again pretends to help, this time by asking for the PIN number, because the victim feels helped by being given his ATM PIN. And at this moment, they finally managed to get the victim's ATM card and PIN number. So always be careful when withdrawing money from an ATM.

[JoyMarsha]

- Before installing your debts or credit card into the atm machine make sure to give an quickly inspection on the machine by pressing every key or press cancel button, from some research i found out there are this device called skimming which is use to steal card details

Is it the bank authority that is in charge of the ATM machine, or a random hacker will install the skimming on the ATM machine?

I am asking the question above because I want to know how it is being done and who will be solely responsible for it. Because on every ATM machine stand, there's a hidden camera monitoring everything one does, whether good or bad. Nothing is left unchecked at the end of each day; transactions on ATM, those in charge of the ATM, go through the ATM machine.

[jstyler]

I think its a bit of a misconception to say its the bank authority solely in charge of the atm machine, a lot of atm machines are outsourced to third party companies who install and maintain them, these companies can be vulnerable to hacking and skimming, its not just a case of a random hacker installing skimming devices, its often an insider job, someone with access to the machine can install it, and then it gets picked up by the bank, so its not just a case of the bank being responsible, its a whole chain of companies and individuals that need to be secure.

[stompix]

I have been taking an online class on cyber security courses and there is this particular topic which caught my attention

No, you haven't, as everything you say is sure gibberish, a 6yo with his first credit card would know better.

- Before installing your debts or credit card into the atm machine make sure to give an quickly inspection on the machine by pressing every key or press cancel button, from some research i found out there are this device called skimming which is use to steal card details

This does absolutely nothing.
The device is not skimming; the device is a skimmer that is placed in the card reader slot. It has nothing to do with the keys; those are usually recorded by a camera placed inside the top front of the ATM.

most times i do advise people anytime one is done with withdrawing flat currency from the ATM machine they are some sensitive information in the receipt transition which most times it oftens show your account balance and some card numbers

Again, proof you have never used a debit or credit card in your life, the recipe will only show you part of your credit card number which still leaves 1 million possibilities at least, and your balance, not even your name is there.

After making transactions people forget to press the cancel button at the end of thier transactions this aslo should be take seriously.

On what do you press cancel at the end of the transaction? 
Seriously, this is the lamest attempt at merit fishing ever.

[el kaka22]

Do we even have ATM machine needs anymore? Not entirely sure to be fair. I do not even use a bank that has physical location, sure they have ATM, well they really don't, they are allowed to use other banks ATM's lol, so think of how little I need a place for my bank. It's a digital bank, and I am fine with it, what am I going to use the cash for?

I do not remember the last time I used cash for anything, I have no idea how that would be a need. I can testify that in all of 2025 I haven't used a dime of cash money, and maybe in 2024, on special situations, but not really that common. I hope that we can make this work without a trouble and we can get a good return eventually, it shouldn't really be a trouble at all.

[Judith87403]

I have been taking an online class on cyber security courses and there is this particular topic which caught my attention about fewer papers means fewer worries, from the research i have made and notice this has proofs that people fall victim of this scam every day by day this is know to be one of the biggest risk ATM users face, people take their exposure of personal information for granted there used bank receipts and there debts card pin, most times i do advise people anytime one is done with withdrawing flat currency from the ATM machine they are some sensitive information in the receipt transition which most times it oftens show your account balance and some card numbers and this can be of help to fraudsters in hacking of once acct, and also withdrawing money in an crowded areas one can easily get pickpockets so let notes on this...

Are you kidding me right now, you mean transactions receipt that is generated from the ATM machine contain your card number and pin, I don't think that is true mate, the information on the receipt is not different from the receipt you generate from your mobile app and such documents don't pause any security risks, those receipts don't even contain your account balance, so you are wrong with that assumption., If you said accepting helps from strangers on the ATM ques is risky, I will accept that but the above first paragraph statement is false receipt only contains few information such as amount of transactions and the reference and also status of the transaction, so no personal information on the receipt as you said mate.

I think he is maybe referring to the information on the transaction receipt, that it can give clue to hackers on what to do, since he says he has been studying on cyber security, probably he knows a thing or two, hence it's appropriate you dispose your receipt properly to avoid any of such incident. However I agree with you that those receipt doesn't contain acc balance details, just transaction information  and abbreviated codes about What you went to the ATM to do.

You're right, I don't think if scammers can easily get access to our account through those receipt we get after making transaction more especially when we use our ATM. Moreover, I have seen a lot of people who don't always bother taking thier receipt probably after making withdrawal or transfer using the POS, so if it is that risky as op thought i don't think if this set of people can just possibly leave thier receipt for the POS man or woman.

That's to prove to you that those receipt did not contain any necessary information in it. Although there is this saying that prevention is better than cure so to be in a safer side I think we need to be extremely careful on how we dispose our receipt.