The functionalities of an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) provides great convenience to consumers, especially during a cash emergency.

Previously, the core function of an ATM was to dispense cash and to debit the corresponding bank account. Currently, there are various more complex functions of an ATM, thus making it a prime target for scammers and robbers.

Scammers are creating skimming devices and attaching them to the interface of the ATM. These are quite ingenuous and hard to detect as the skimming devices do not make any noticeable changes to the original interface. ATM card scams have become more prevalent and we have to be vigilant to protect ourselves.

Here are some safety tips to protect against ATM fraud:

1. Try to use ATMs that are well lit, in a very public areas and are located near the centre of a building.

2. Scrutinise the ABM for items that may have been installed over or around the PIN pad. Avoid ABMs with connections pointed in the direction of the PIN pad. This may be used to house a hidden camera which may record your PIN.

3. Do not use ABMs that show possible signs of a loose or detached card slot, or presence of double-sided tape.

4. Always keep your PIN a secret! Guard your PIN with your free hand while entering it on a keypad to prevent recording by cameras. Even with friends and family members you should always protect your PIN. Many persons have become victims of exposing their pins to someone they trusted.

5. When conducting transactions, do not use any ATM with unusual options with which you are not familiar. For example, after you enter your pin you will see familiar options of savings, chequing and credit card transactions. If you see odd options like USD (USdollars) transactions, do not proceed. There are specific ATMs for USD transactions and banks will have visible notifications at each.

6. Be aware of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be aware of people offering to help you conduct transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting idly in a parked car.

7. Avoid becoming victims by treating your ATM card as you would your cash, do not leave it lying around the house or on your desk.

Other general tips to prevent robbery include:

1. Plan ahead. The longer you stay inside an ATM and its surroundings, the more susceptible you are.

2. Be aware of your surroundings and any possible loiterers when using the ABM.

3.Use the inside lock to secure the door when conducting transactions. Most ATMs now use just a push of the button to open the door, the requirement of swiping your card to open the door is getting obsolete.

4. Secure your cash from inside the ATM, do not exit the machine with cash in hand, counting or reviewing the transaction receipt. Stay alert as you exit the machine.

5. When leaving the ATM ensure you are not being followed. If you have any suspicion of being followed, drive to a police station, a crowded location or a businessplace. One way of identifying if you are being followed is to change your route and watch for any noticeable cars that might have been in your immediate surroundings when you exited.

6. Do not give the robber added incentive to wait on you after a transaction. Reduce the use of flashy accessories/devices while waiting in the line or leaving them exposed in your car.

7. Be aware of distractions at the ATM, many persons will engage you in conversations that may just seem like friendly chatter but there is an intent to steal and harm.

8. Leave your engine running at drive-up ATMs, keep your doors locked and enough room to manoeuvre between your car and the one ahead of you.

9. If you are confronted with a robber who demands your money, hand over swiftly. Do not attempt to argue or fight. At the point of confrontation many robbers would be in close range of your body and can seriously harm you.

The usage of ATMs will proliferate and scammers and robbers will become more sophisticated in their methods of trying to steal your funds. The key is to stay a step ahead and remain vigilant.

Gillian Murray is the marketing officer at tTech Limited. She can be contacted at 656-8467/656-8448 or by email at