Although it is not considered one of the major frauds, it could have devastating effects on its victims. The most important fact to remember is that criminals can only access your bank account via an ATM if they are in possession of your ATM bankcard and your secret pin number. It is therefore up to you to protect yourself against ATM fraud.

Ten tips to follow to avoid becoming a victim of ATM fraud.

• Don't give anyone your PIN number.
• Do not keep your PIN number and card together.
• Make sure no one is standing around the ATM machine watching you.
• Don't let anyone distract you.
• Avoid poorly lit ATM’s.
• Do not count your money at the ATM.
• Cancel your card immediately if it is lost, stolen or retained by an ATM.
• If you lose your ATM card report it to your bank immediately.
• Cancel your card if it is lost or stolen.
• Vary the days and times you visit your local ATM machine.

Additional tips:
Credit Monitoring Services don't do a whole lot for you and you keep getting billed for the services until you cancel.

Be very stingy about giving out your personal information to anyone, especially if they are asking for it for something that seems like it may be a scam.

If someone calls you at home and says they are from your bank and need some information from you, don't believe them. Your bank already has everything it needs on file already.

If someone calls you on the phone and says you are eligible to win some terrific prize but to qualify you need to give them your credit card number, this is a scam. Never fall for this one.

If you're traveling, only take what you must have with you. It's best to take travelers checks with you instead of credit cards. Travelers checks are insured and you won't end up running up a big debt from a lost or stolen credit card. Also, the less ID you carry with you the less chance that it can be gotten from you unless someone cracks open your head and drains the info from you.

The bottom line is to be careful who you trust and what you trust them with. By doing this you stand the best chance of avoiding being the next victim of identity theft.

Don't become the next victim of fraud: For more information call our toll free number today 877-643-3287.