Use Your ATM Card Safely

The best protections against card fraud are to know where your cards are at all times and to keep them secure. For protection of ATM and debit cards that involve a Personal Identification Number (PIN), keep your PIN a secret. Don't use your address, birth date, phone or NRIC as the PIN and do memorize the number.

The following suggestions may help you protect your credit card and your ATM or debit card accounts.

• Be Observant
The most important key to using your ATM card safely is to be observant and look around for any suspicious persons or activity near the ATM machine. If you see anything that looks suspicious, go to another machine or return later.

• Put Away Your Cash
Put your cash away immediately in your pocket, wallet or purse. Do not display or count it at the machine. You can always count it later.

• Keep Your Car Secured
Lock your car if you have to get out to use the ATM machine. If you use a drive-up ATM machine, lock all doors and be sure the passenger-side windows are rolled up.

• Memorized Your PIN
Never write your PIN on the ATM card, an envelope, or other papers that could be easily lost or seen.

• Using an ATM at Night
- If possible, take another person with you;
- Park in a well-lighted area as close to the machine as possible;
- Do not use the machine if the lights on it are not working;
- If the view of the ATM machine is blocked by overgrown shrubbery or trees, or any other objects, use another machine; and
- Notify the bank about the visibility problem.

Report the loss or theft of your ATM or credit / debit cards to the card issuers as quickly as possible. The card issuers companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies. It's a good idea to follow up your phone calls with a letter and branch visit. Include your account number, when you noticed your card was missing, and the date you first reported the loss.