Although this happened years ago, the following video shows a woman robbed at gunpoint while withdrawing a small amount of cash from an ATM at night. Apparently she did not do her near and far security scan, before she pulled up or while waiting for the machine to work.
This shows that nobody,...NOBODY is safe from crime and ATM locations, plus people's ability to access money at all hours present many opportunities for criminals.
First - don't use ATM's at night.
Second - scan as far as you can see around the facility before you drive up to the machine. This is a far cane as you are looking for suspicious vehicle(s) and persons loitering. Dark areas next to corners of building and behind parked cars and garbage dumpsters would be prime hiding locations.
Third - as you pull up to the machine, do a near scan, say within 50 yards and maintain checking this near scan perimeter through the transaction. Some people may tell you keep your vehicle running and engaged in drive, but this is a two edged sword. Better to drive off if you see something suspicious.
To many people park at the machine then go fishing through their wallet or purse for their ATM card, and not scanning - use your mirrors but don't rely on them 100%.
Beware of dark out of the way locations with a vehicle parked in front of you. This could be a ruse to get you to pull in right behind the vehicle in front. It is easy for a person to exit the parked car, or come from a hidden location, and stick a gun in our face, robbing you of your cash and valuables, but your card as well, even your life.
Be aware, Be suspicious, Be safe.
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