Close up of multiple credit cards

ATM Safety Tips

Helpful Safety Tips Regarding the use of your ATM Card

Your ATM card is your key to financial freedom and convenience. It lets you conduct routine banking transactions anytime and anywhere you desire. With more than half a million terminals located across the country and around the world which may accept your ATM card, you are never very far from your accounts.

And using your ATM card is simple. Just insert your card and follow the step-by-step instructions that appear on the screen of the machine.

But WAIT, there’s more than convenience to think about when using your ATM card. You must also consider SAFETY.

Since your ATM card is simply an extension of your checking or savings account, there are some common sense procedures that you need to follow to ensure that your experiences at the ATM are not only convenient, but safe as well.

When using an ATM, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Be careful of "con artists." If anyone asks you to withdraw money from an ATM for any reason, leave the area at once and report the incident to the police.
  • When approaching an ATM, be on the alert for any suspicious persons or circumstances. LEAVE THE AREA OF THE ATM IMMEDIATELY IF YOU FEEL THREATENED. Report suspicious circumstances to the police.
  • Have your ATM card ready to use prior to approaching the ATM. This will shorten your time at the machine.
  • When using a drive-up ATM, be sure that your car doors are locked and all windows are rolled up. Then, when you’re ready to use the ATM, carefully check the surrounding area, and then roll down the window as far as necessary to use the ATM.
  • When using an ATM, position your body so that no one else can see you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • If you withdraw money from an ATM, do not count it or expose it while still in close proximity to the machine.

And when using an ATM at night:

  • Use ATMs that are well-lit and provide well-lit parking areas and pathways.
  • Use ATMs that provide clear visibility for automobile and pedestrian traffic.
  • If possible, have a friend accompany you to the ATM.

Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

  • Memorize your PIN! Without it, your card is useless at an ATM. Remember, giving your PIN to anyone is like giving them a blank signed check, so:
    • Never give your PIN to another person.
    • Never write your PIN on your card.
    • Never write your PIN on anything that is kept with or near your card.
    • Never give your PIN to anyone over the telephone, even if an individual claims to represent Waukesha State Bank. Waukesha State Bank will NEVER ask you to disclose your PIN over the telephone.

Other useful tips:

  • Keep your transaction receipts which are provided by the machine until you have balanced your monthly account statement.
  • Notify Waukesha State Bank immediately if you suspect unauthorized use of your ATM card.
  • If your ATM card is lost or stolen, NOTIFY WAUKESHA STATE BANK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If your ATM card was stolen, you should also report it to the police.

Lost or Stolen Debit Cards:

  • During banking hours (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 8:30 a.m. - Noon Saturday), call (262) 549-8500.
  • During non-banking hours, call 1-800-472-3272. Please have your social security number on hand, as this will be required to assist you.

Lost or Stolen Credit Cards:

Please call 1-800-558-3424. When prompted, state "Stolen," and you will be connected with a customer service representative.

With your ATM card, your accounts are always readily available when and where you need them. But, along with the convenience of an ATM card, you should always keep safety in mind.