While Automatic Bank Machines (ABMs) provide users with a quick and convenient way to access money and conduct everyday financial transactions, they also pose an increased security risk.

Automatic Bank Tellers:

The following tips, courtesy of the Halton Regional Police Service, can help ensure continuous, secure use of ATMs:

• Never lend your card to anyone. It is the key to your bank account and is for your use only.
• Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Memorize that number rather than writing it down.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone
• Have your bank card ready when approaching the ATM to complete your transaction quickly and safely
• Be aware of anyone loitering in the area of the ATM. If you are suspicious of anyone or anything, leave immediately and contact the police.
• When conducting a transaction, use your hand or body as a shield to prevent others from seeing any of your confidential information
• After completing your transaction, remember to retrieve your card, your cash, and your transaction record
• Do not count your cash at the ATM. Place it in your purse or wallet and verify the amount in private.
• Report lost or stolen cards to your bank or the police immediately

Credit Cards:

Losing credit cards or having them stolen can be aggravating and costly. People should be aware that credit card fraud is a serious crime for which everyone pays.

The Halton Regional Police Service offers the following series of useful tips that may help prevent you or a family member from becoming a victim of credit card crime:

• Report lost or stolen cards to the card issuer(s) and to the police immediately. This allows the issuer(s) to take the necessary measures to prevent fraudulent use of your card(s).
• Keep an accurate and up-to-date list of all credit cards, their account numbers, expiry dates and issuers' phone numbers so that you can quickly report missing cards. Remember to keep this list in a secure place.
• Never volunteer your card number to callers who tell you that you have won a trip or prize or are eligible to receive a free gift. This could result in unauthorized charges to your account.
• Avoid leaving credit cards or other valuables in a locker at recreational facilities and other public places even if it can be locked
• Never leave credit cards in a car or any other vehicle. Many cards are stolen from glove compartments.
• Never lend your credit card to anyone
• Sign new credit cards as soon as you receive them and destroy expired ones
• Protect all your cards, including those issued by phone companies, grocery store chains, discount stores, etc. that would enable someone to charge goods and services in your name