ATM security

12 tips and a guide to ATM skimming including an explanation of skimming and how to avoid it to keep your accounts and money safe when using ATMs.

1. Never allow someone you are not familiar with to guide you through an ATM transaction or process – some fraudsters may try to convince you that money is due to you or that you have to prove something at an ATM – this is never the case. Any and all transactions or service registrations at ATM should be initiated by the customer and at his/her free will only.
    
2. Never hand your ATM card to a stranger for any reason and be extremely wary of anyone who approaches you when you are using an ATM.
    
3. Always shield the key pad with your hand when you are entering your PIN so that it cannot be read by secret cameras or strangers.
    
4. Use your body to block the view of people behind you from looking over your shoulder.
    
5. Use the same ATM machine for your transactions – become familiar with it so you will be able to recognize changes to the machine.
    
6. If you must use a different ATM, carefully check the ATM for devices which may have been fitted on top of the original features. As a general rule, it is better to use a newer machine, which will have additional safety features such as anti-skimming hardware.
    
7. Use ATMs in places with good lighting and in very secure or high traffic areas such as beside a 24-hour retail outlet or inside a bank.
    
8. Look out for 'extra' cameras in the ATM booth apart from the regular ATM security camera. Do not use an ATM if it has fittings above the machine such as a brochure holder as these may be used to conceal cameras.
    
9. Report any ATM that malfunctions or holds your card to the bank immediately.
    
10. Be vigilant of ATMs indicating they are not working – If an ATM is not working, it may be a scam to direct you to a nearby ATM which has been tampered with. Use another machine well away from this location.
     
11. Be cautious about withdrawing large amounts of cash at ATMs if you are alone or in an area where there is no security.
     
12. Apply for Bangkok Bank’s Be1st Smart Visa Debit card, Thailand’s first debit card to use EMV chip security technology, which is almost impossible to copy.