ATM Safety Tips: The One Mistake You Should Never Make When Withdrawing Cash

Why ATM Security Matters Today: With the rise of digital wallets, UPI, and credit cards, most people rarely carry large amounts of cash anymore. Still, there are times when withdrawing money from an ATM is unavoidable. That’s why practising safe ATM habits is more important than ever.

Common ATM Safety Practices

When withdrawing cash, people usually take precautions - shielding the keypad, covering the screen, and keeping a close eye on their surroundings. These small steps help protect sensitive details like your PIN and transaction amount.

The Overlooked ATM Mistake

Surprisingly, the biggest risk doesn’t always occur during the withdrawal itself, but right after. Once your cash is dispensed, the machine asks whether you’d like a receipt. Many users instinctively press “YES” and leave with that slip of paper.

Why ATM Receipts Can Be Risky

While ATM receipts don’t reveal your PIN or full card number, they do contain sensitive information such as:

• Partial card details
• Account balance
• Transaction time and date

This may seem harmless, but in the wrong hands, even partial information can be dangerous. Scammers may use these details to impersonate your bank, making fraudulent calls that sound convincing.

How to Stay Safe at the ATM

• To reduce the risk of fraud, keep these tips in mind:
• Avoid printing receipts unless absolutely necessary.
• If you must take one, don’t discard it carelessly - shred or tear it before disposal.
• Always double-check that you’ve taken your card and cash before leaving.

Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank.

ATM withdrawals may seem routine, but even the smallest oversight can put your money and personal data at risk. The next time you’re at an ATM, think twice before requesting a receipt - it might just be the detail a scammer is waiting for.