OFW guide: How to protect yourself from ATM scams
People are urged to take precautions when using automated teller machines (ATM) because an international syndicate is reportedly stealing money from people's bank accounts by copying their ATM card data.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has compiled a list of reminders for people using ATMs:
(1) Always be alert
One should always be alert whenever transacting from ATMs, for it could spell the difference between people with bad intentions from getting your card’s PIN number and walking away with everything intact.
“When using an ATM, always shield the keypad. If you feel that somebody is standing too close, don’t be afraid to tell the next person who is in line to step back. If you feel uncomfortable, allow the other person to go first and complete your transaction once he/she has left,” the BSP said.
“Always inspect the ATM you are using. Some fraudulent card reader devices can be easily spotted. If some parts around the slot for inserting the card do not seem right, consider walking away and transacting in another machine,” it added.
(2) No distractions
“Be alert when you use an ATM. Don't let anyone distract you--complete your transaction, be sure you've tucked away your card (and cash) safely, and leave,” says a ComputerWorld article.
“Be aware of your ATM's surroundings. You're making a transaction involving valuable personal data and cash. Now is not the time to check Facebook on your mobile phone,” it also said.
(3) Don't share PINs
If one wishes to keep one’s ATM card information and therefore their money safe, it is highly advised for one to be secretive about their PINs--even from family and friends.
“Do not share your PINs with anyone. Do not write these down where they can be accessed by others. Sharing your PIN allows others to access your account or transact with it,” says Citibank.
“Never disclose your PIN to anyone, not even someone claiming to be from the bank or the police,” says HSBC.
“Never share your PIN with another person. Not even with your family or friends and absolutely never with a stranger,” says BSP.
(4) Change PINs regularly
One’s ATM PIN number keeps one’s cash safe and sound. To ensure this process is continuous, changing these numbers regularly should be done.
“Memorize your PIN and do not write it down. Select PINs that cannot be guessed easily by anyone. Use different PINs for different channels (ie. Internet Banking, ATM and telephone banking). Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN,” says HSBC.
“Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but which is not based on a birthday, anniversary, address, or telephone number. Change your PIN regularly,” says BSP, adding as well that that one should never write PIN’s number nor keep it in one’s wallet.
“Do not use the same PIN on all your cards. While doing so may be easier for you to remember your PIN, it also makes it easier for a thief to access all your accounts if your wallet is stolen,” it also says.
(5) Be a "tattletale"
Should one encounter difficulties when doing transactions using ATMs or notice anything suspicious before or after their transactions, one shouldn’t be afraid to notify the bank the ATM they used is from.
“If you encounter any difficulties when using the ATM, cancel your transaction and inform the bank,” HSBC said.
“Report captured cards immediately. As much as possible, do not leave the machine without first reporting the card capture. Immediately call the bank where your ATM card was captured using a cell phone or the phone provided by the bank in the ATM booth,” the BSP said. - VVP, GMA News
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has compiled a list of reminders for people using ATMs:
(1) Always be alert
One should always be alert whenever transacting from ATMs, for it could spell the difference between people with bad intentions from getting your card’s PIN number and walking away with everything intact.
“When using an ATM, always shield the keypad. If you feel that somebody is standing too close, don’t be afraid to tell the next person who is in line to step back. If you feel uncomfortable, allow the other person to go first and complete your transaction once he/she has left,” the BSP said.
“Always inspect the ATM you are using. Some fraudulent card reader devices can be easily spotted. If some parts around the slot for inserting the card do not seem right, consider walking away and transacting in another machine,” it added.
(2) No distractions
“Be alert when you use an ATM. Don't let anyone distract you--complete your transaction, be sure you've tucked away your card (and cash) safely, and leave,” says a ComputerWorld article.
“Be aware of your ATM's surroundings. You're making a transaction involving valuable personal data and cash. Now is not the time to check Facebook on your mobile phone,” it also said.
(3) Don't share PINs
If one wishes to keep one’s ATM card information and therefore their money safe, it is highly advised for one to be secretive about their PINs--even from family and friends.
“Do not share your PINs with anyone. Do not write these down where they can be accessed by others. Sharing your PIN allows others to access your account or transact with it,” says Citibank.
“Never disclose your PIN to anyone, not even someone claiming to be from the bank or the police,” says HSBC.
“Never share your PIN with another person. Not even with your family or friends and absolutely never with a stranger,” says BSP.
(4) Change PINs regularly
One’s ATM PIN number keeps one’s cash safe and sound. To ensure this process is continuous, changing these numbers regularly should be done.
“Memorize your PIN and do not write it down. Select PINs that cannot be guessed easily by anyone. Use different PINs for different channels (ie. Internet Banking, ATM and telephone banking). Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN,” says HSBC.
“Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but which is not based on a birthday, anniversary, address, or telephone number. Change your PIN regularly,” says BSP, adding as well that that one should never write PIN’s number nor keep it in one’s wallet.
“Do not use the same PIN on all your cards. While doing so may be easier for you to remember your PIN, it also makes it easier for a thief to access all your accounts if your wallet is stolen,” it also says.
(5) Be a "tattletale"
Should one encounter difficulties when doing transactions using ATMs or notice anything suspicious before or after their transactions, one shouldn’t be afraid to notify the bank the ATM they used is from.
“If you encounter any difficulties when using the ATM, cancel your transaction and inform the bank,” HSBC said.
“Report captured cards immediately. As much as possible, do not leave the machine without first reporting the card capture. Immediately call the bank where your ATM card was captured using a cell phone or the phone provided by the bank in the ATM booth,” the BSP said. - VVP, GMA News
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