ATM security

I don't use the ATM often, but when I do, I exercise the usual safety precautions (such as have my card ready, don't go too late or to an unfamiliar location, go to a well-lit ATM, etc.)

Over the years, I've also heard of people's card and pin numbers being stolen while they are using the ATM. Basically what happens is that thieves install fake readers/cameras in the ATM so that when you insert your card or press your pin number, that information is collected. The installed devices are cleverly hidden/disguised so you can't tell that the ATM has been tampered with. There was a recent story where a card skimmer was installed inside a gas pump.

See here, here, and here for some pictures of ATM skimmers.

So, when I have to use an ATM, I also:

• use an ATM that is not too isolated and generally seems to be in a secure location, such as an ATM in the same building as the bank (somewhere the ATM could not have been easily tampered with.)

• if I have to use a card to open a door to get into the ATM, I use a card different from my ATM card, in case there is a bad reader installed in the door-opening-card-reader device. (You can use any card with a mag stripe to get in.)

• use one hand to cover my other hand when I type in my pin number (in case anyone is looking, or if there was a camera that was installed in the ATM to record what I press.)

• don't use the ATM if it looks any bit sketchy, or if I have to jam my card in to get it in the machine. That might indicate that a card skimmer was installed.

Also, keep an eye on your accounts.