ATM robbers may be waiting at your Automated Teller Machine.
* ATM cash withdrawal after-hours is high-risk if alone and female.
* Learn how ATM robbers think and view you as a potential victim.
* Think about times and locations where your ATM use was risky.
* Have a family meeting to discuss plans for late-night ATM use.
Podcast Time Stamps:
[1:10] - ATM robbers want the element of surprise.
[1:48] - Some ATM locations are better for robbers.
[2:40] - My ATM is your ATM.
[3:28] - Robbers don’t like ATM machines in supermarkets.
[4:10] - Robbers prefer to confront a single ATM victim.
[4:45] - Robbers expect ATM victims to cooperate.
[5:20] - Robbers hate attentive ATM customers.
[5:58] - ATM robbers will use excessive force if you resist.
[6:25] - Video surveillance cameras not a big concern to ATM robbers.
[7:05] - Good lighting doesn’t matter that much to ATM robbers.
10 things Robbers don't want ATM victims to know.Tweet This
Play video clip to see ATM robbers in action
ATM Robbers Don't Want You to Know
1. ATM robbers want the element of surprise
ATM robbers are usually male, under 25 years old. They look a little scruffy because they are likely intoxicated on alcohol or drugs. If you look around, the ATM robber is that suspicious-looking guy within 25 yards standing in the shadows or sitting in a car. ATM robbers usually work alone, but sometimes use a partner for a lookout or getaway driver.
2. Some ATM locations are better for robbers
ATM robbers prefer isolated machines with poor line-of-sight from the street or parking lot. They like to hide nearby behind some obstruction until the right moment.
Robbers also like the bank drive-thru-lane machine because they can sneak up on your open car window while you focus on punching in your ATM code number. They know you can't run while buckled into your car seat.
ATM robbers have the advantage because they pick the best time, the location with the best hiding places and escape routes.
3. My ATM is your ATM
Once ATM robbers stake out your machine, they don’t have to do anything, but hang around nearby, watch, and wait. ATM robbers strike between 8:00 pm – 4:00 am when ATM traffic is slowest.
Robbers don’t have a bank account or a bank ATM card, so when they need quick cash they’ll use yours. They hope you withdraw $300 but will settle for less. They may also demand your phone, wallet, purse, watch, or jewelry.
Occasionally, ATM robbers will steal your car too and may take you with them to another crime scene.
4. ATM robbers don’t like machines in supermarkets
ATM robbers can’t see the machine from the parking lot or know when someone approaches it. There are cashiers, video surveillance, and too many witnesses. Large stores may have security watching.
Robbers lose the element of surprise if they enter the store with their face covered or gun out. They don’t have a view of the parking lot from inside to know if...
