Security At Drive-Up ATMs:
Completely fill out all necessary paperwork (deposit slips, loan payments, etc.) before approaching the ATM. Keep extra deposit envelopes in your car, in order to fill them out before driving up to the machine. To safely deposit money in an ATM, count the money and complete all the necessary paperwork before leaving for the ATM. Place all currency (no coins) and/or checks in an ATM transaction envelope and seal it. Conceal the envelope until you are ready to deposit it into the ATM.

Keep your vehicle's engine running, the doors locked, and the windows up at all times, when waiting in line at a drive-up ATM. Keep all the windows rolled up except the one you are using to do the transaction, and keep the vehicle running.

When possible, leave plenty of room between vehicles to allow for a quick exit, should it become necessary.

If the ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM. If you are using the ATM at night, make sure the ATM and area is well lit. Some states have certain lighting requirements for ATM areas. Report any lighting problems to the financial institution responsible.

Before rolling down the window to use the ATM, observe the entire area around the ATM. If you see anyone or anything that seems to be suspicious (like someone just standing around or many people in a nearby car but no one at the ATM), cancel your transaction and immediately drive away (if the ATM you are using does not have a 911 button). If your ATM has a 911 button, and there is a possible emergency, call the 911 Dispatcher by pushing the button on the machine or go ahead and leave the area. If you feel like something is "just not right" and the ATM you want to use in not equipped with a 911 button, then play it safe and go to another ATM. Do not take unnecessary chances by continuing your transaction. You could be placing yourself at risk of injury and/or robbery.

Minimize time spent at the ATM. Have paperwork and ATM Access Card ready when you reach the ATM, in order to refrain from reaching into your purse or wallet. By having the Access Card in your hand and ready to use, your transaction will be quicker and safer.

Never count or let other people see your money while at the ATM. Immediately put the money in a pocket or purse, and drive away from the terminal. Return to a private place before counting your money and recording the transaction.

Remember to always take your Access Card, cash, and receipt before you leave the ATM. Never leave the receipt of your transaction at the ATM. It contains your account number and other important account information.

Do not accept help from strangers while using an ATM. If you have problems, contact the bank. If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and immediately leave (if the ATM you are using does not have a 911 button). If your ATM has a 911 button, and there is a possible emergency, call the 911 Dispatcher by pushing the button on the machine.

When you leave an ATM. Watch carefully for people following you or approaching you. If you are being followed, go to the nearest store, business, restaurant, or place where other people are present. If someone follows you in a car, drive to the nearest Police Station or an area where others are present.

Remember to call and report all crimes to the ATM owner and local law enforcement officers immediately, if the ATM you used is not equip with a 911 button.

Automatic Teller Machine Security Tips for Financial Institutions:
Placement of an ATM is crucial when discussing security. Many financial institutions will obtain a crime survey of the potential area to determine if the surrounding community is a high crime area. Local law enforcement can also be beneficial in locating a place to put an ATM.

Landscaping around the ATM should not obstruct the view of the machine. For enclosed ATMs, blinds or tinted windows should be removed so that a clear view of the interior of the ATM lobby can be seen from outside.

Lighting should be very bright around the ATM. Some states have established minimum lighting requirements for ATMs, including specific requirements for the lighting of adjacent parking lots. (Check to see if your state has set requirements.) An ATM with the proper lighting, is much safer than one with improper lighting. The better and brighter the light, the greater chance the criminal will not choose that location to perpetrate a crime.

Surveillance cameras can be very beneficial in identifying a criminal. Even though cameras are not usually a deterrent, they can assist in identifying the criminal easily, which can lead to a quick arrest. Criminals will often tend to work a ring of ATMs in a particular geographical location. Cameras can be beneficial in identifying whether the number of perpetrators during a rash of ATM crimes in a particular area.

Sometimes having ATM card access to the enclosed ATM site can guard against surprise attacks.

Educating the ATM users against being a potential victim of an ATM crime is an important safeguard. Many financial institutions enclose ATM safety pamphlets with their statements, to try and educate their customers on the safest ways to use their automatic teller machines. (NACOM can be of assistance in creating such information.)

Installation of an ATM911® Emergency Communication System at the financialinstitution is a must for security of the ATM. It also provides a reduction in liability. Not only will the system and signage help to deter criminals, but it also lets customers see that their safety is important. It also can assist a victim of an ATM crime at the site. And finally, it reduces the liability of the bank should a crime occur, and they have the system installed at that location.