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ATM Security and Safety

Helpful tips on safe usage of ATMs and protecting your data

For UMB’s customers, ATMs are an important part of their daily lives and are used quite frequently. With the constant card interactions that ATMs have, they are frequent targets of fraudsters attempting to compromise financial data by installing phony keypads, card skimmers, cameras, or other data collection methods.

 

Security tips

See below tips about safe usage of ATMs and how you can protect your data when using one.

  • Often, fraudsters will modify the ATM to attempt to steal your card information. Before inserting your card in the ATM, quickly look over it with the following checks in mind:
  • Try feeling if the card reader is tightly secured or feels loose; if it is loose, it potentially is a skimmer. Additionally, if the card reader looks unusually bulky or protrudes from the system, this could also be indicative that the ATM is compromised.
  • Before inserting your card, push the buttons on the keypad; if they feel too thick or the buttons don’t press easily, it has potentially been compromised.
  • Cameras that perform surveillance to protect ATMs will always be receded into surface of the ATM, typically with a rounded, mirror lens. Be conscientious of anything on the ATMs surface that looks like a camera in an unusual spot.
  • Always pay attention to your surroundings when approaching an ATM and use ATMs located in open, well-lit locations. After the transaction is complete, remember to take your receipt, card and cash and then leave immediately. Do not stop to count your cash until you are in a safe location.
  • Always make sure to stand directly in front of the ATM you are using to obscure the view of the ATM screen as well as the keypad when entering your PIN data.
  • If you are using a drive-up ATM, always make sure your vehicle’s doors are locked, the windows are rolled up, and there is nobody that can see what you are doing on the ATM.

If you suspect a UMB ATM has been compromised, please see the full directory of UMB ATM locations and call the number listed for the compromised ATM or visit the nearest UMB branch location.