Press Release: Monday June 16, 2008
ATM Safety Tips to Follow as You Withdraw Cash for Your Next Summer Road Trip or Anytime Throughout the Year
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of its annual ATM & Debit Card Safety Awareness Month, this week the PULSE® debit network releases ATM Safety Tips. Although debit is a secure and convenient form of payment, it is a good idea for consumers to take some basic precautions when using their debit cards. As many vacationers make their way out of town this summer, trips to ATMs to withdraw cash are inevitable. Whether withdrawing before you leave town or when you arrive at your destination, follow these step-by-step safety tips before conducting your transaction:- Survey your surroundings:
Pay attention to suspicious activity that may be occurring in your immediate area. If anything appears to be out of the ordinary, or if the ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, leave the area and try another location. - Take someone with you:
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to take another person with you when using an ATM, especially at night. - Have your card ready:
Minimize your time at the ATM by having your debit card out and ready to use. Do not let a stranger assist you in making a transaction, even if you have trouble or your card gets stuck. Never count your money while at the ATM. - Safeguard your personal identification number:
Block the view of others when using the ATM by shielding the key pad when entering your personal identification number (PIN). - Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to the ATM:
If the ATM appears to have any attachments or alterations to the card slot or key pad, do not use it. If possible, report the problem to the financial institution or ATM owner.
A comprehensive list of ATM/debit card safety tips is available at:
www.pulse-eft.com/public/group/consumer/atmdebitsafety.html.
PULSE also offers a brochure containing fraud/identity theft prevention tips, which can be downloaded at:
www.pulse-eft.com/public/group/consumer/atmdebitsafety/idtheft.html.
PULSE is one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks, currently serving more than 4,500 banks, credit unions and savings institutions across the country. PULSE is owned by Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS - News). The network links cardholders with more than 265,000 ATMs, as well as POS terminals at retail locations nationwide. The company is also a valued resource for industry research related to electronic payments and is committed to providing its participants with education on evolving products, services and trends in the payments industry. For more information, visit www.pulse-eft.com.
Source: PULSE
