In today’s hectic world, convenience is crucial. Yet safety must also be considered. Recently, hackers infiltrated several ATMs at a chain of national convenience stores, stealing customers’ PIN numbers and making off with at least $2 million. So just where is the safest place to use an ATM?
First, when possible, withdraw funds from the ATM at your financial institution. Security analysts say that an ATM’s safety depends largely on its location. Typically, an ATM at a bank is somewhat safer than it is in a public place, such as a ballpark, airport or convenience store.
To further decrease your odds of getting victimized, experts suggest changing your PIN number regularly and using different PINs for different accounts. And when it comes to online activity, never use your PIN under any circumstances. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to check your account frequently and report any suspicious activity immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!