ATM Safety Tips For Holiday Shopping: Alameda PD

ALAMEDA, CA — The holidays are in full swing with Christmas shopping underway, and many people are reconnecting with friends for drinks or meals. That often includes a trip to the ATM for extra cash.

But before you make your stop to a cash withdrawl, the Alameda Police Department has some tips to check that ATM for skimmers.

• Before using an ATM, visually inspect the card reader, keypad, and the ATM’s surface for any suspicious or loose components. For reference, we have provided pictures from previous Alameda cases depicting recovered skimming devices and pinhole cameras.
• Whenever possible, use ATMs located at banks or credit unions rather than stand-alone locations.
• If possible, use machines located inside of bank branches. These are less likely to be tampered with and are more frequently monitored.
• Beware of unexpected assistance when using an ATM. If someone offers to help you with your transaction or is overly interested in what you are doing, be cautious.
• When possible, use chip-enabled cards. These cards offer better security.
• Cover the keypad when typing in your pin.
• Avoid counting or organizing cash when standing at an ATM or sitting in your vehicle after a transaction.
• At the conclusion of your transaction, stay alert to your surroundings to ensure you are not being followed.
• It is always good practice to regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized or suspicious transactions. Setting up alerts for ATM withdrawal or card transactions can help identify unauthorized use faster. If a skimming device is suspected or suspicious activity is observed, inform the bank and local law enforcement right away.

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