The use of automatic teller machines (ATMs) after dark is quite common in most communities because this is when most people need money to dine, go to the movies, or purchase goods. Because ATMs are so common and people so unaware of their surroundings, bank customers are being ripped off by shrewd criminals. They usually wait until an ATM user has accessed the machine before they step around the corner with a knife or gun.
Quick witted customers at drive-up ATMs are in a better position to escape harm, providing their passenger door and back doors are locked. If not, it's highly likely that the criminal will simply open one of the car doors, slip into the car beside them, and order them to remove a large amount of cash from the machine. There is always a possibility of a car jacking to happen through this also. Customers who use walk-up and vestibule-type ATMs, however, take the greatest risk because they have very few options open to them when confronted by a knife-carrying or gun-wielding criminal. If that's the case, do whatever the criminal orders you to do. It's not worth putting your life in danger.
Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to do their after-dark banking at an ATM installed on the outside wall of a police station. Therefore, knowing when and how to use one could be crucial to your well being. the following steps are designed to help prevent your becoming another criminal statistic at an ATM machine. Keep these steps in mind everytime you approach one, whether it's after dark or broad daylight, especially when the mounting location of an ATM is in a secluded area.
* Use only ATMs located on well traveled routes.
* Try to use drive-up ATMs whenever possible.
* Be sure the ATM is well lit and in a highly-visible location.
* When approaching an ATM, be sure there is no one waiting on the other side, around adjoining buildings or in a nearby parked car.
* Before pulling into the ATM drive-up lane, look closely at all surrounding buildings and parked cars. If you cannot see the other side of the ATM, circle it and then pull in and perform your transaction.
* When making a transaction, keep an eye on your rear-view mirrors as well as ahead of you. If you see someone approaching and feel extemely uneasy about it, strike the cancel button immediately, remove your card-if there's enough time, and then pull away.
These are simple common sense tips that everyone should get into the habit of practicing. Your life is more important than some money. You can always replace money, but never a life. If you ever encounter a situation like this, do what the criminal instructs you to do, and then head for the nearest phone to call police. Give a full description of the character, and which direction he fled. This gives the police a starting chance to capture the suspect, in return getting your money back.
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