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You have probably used automated teller machines (otherwise known as ATMs) for most of your life. These have made it much easier to have access to the money in your check or savings account when you don’t have to time to get to a bank during business hours. Most people will use these with no problems, but there are some things that you may have to worry about at one time or another. One is making a mistake that leaves your accounts vulnerable to theft, and another is your personal safety.

The automated teller machines that you know may not be as they used to be, at least in urban areas. The machines have not changed much in the way that they operate, but some are different in function. Some allow you to swipe your card without pushing it into the automated teller machines. That means there is no way you are going to forget your card so someone else can pick it up. If the person behind you has watched you enter your PIN, and then you leave your card, they could take a good amount of money from your accounts in minutes.

Some automated teller machines are now located within locked areas that you must have a card to access. This means that some of the people who may want to harm you will not be able to look over your shoulder. This safety measure is nice, but not fool-proof. If someone sees you getting money out, they can simply wait until you leave the locked enclosure around the automated teller machines to rob you. Make sure you look around you at all times when using any ATM, and if something seems wrong, move on. Even if you need the money badly, it is not worth your personal safety.

If at all possible, especially in areas that are unknown to you or that are dark, use drive up automated teller machines. You can usually pull right up to them in your car, and then drive away safely. Most who want to rob those using ATMs will not bother with such a location. That does not mean they are safe, however, so keep your eyes open. If it comes down to someone robbing you at automated teller machines, rolls up your window fast and drive away. This might mean leaving your money and your card behind, but those things can be replaced. You, however, cannot.

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