NIGERIA ATM CARD FRAUD: HOW TO MAKE SAFE AND SECURE ATM TRANSACTIONS

As I continue to highlight topical issues on different facets of safety and security in Nigeria, you shall learn how to keep you bank's ATM transactions safe and secure in this post. A lot of Nigerians have been duped through their ATM card transactions, hence the essence of this post. You do not need to loose your ATM card before you can be duped. This means that even while you still have your ATM card, there could be some serious security breach with your bank transaction via the Automated Teller Machine ATM.

 

You may now ask how possible is this? Yes, there are certain personal acts that are capable of compromising the security of both your ATM card, other bank details and indeed your personal security. Most times, these are done unconsciously but obviously, the consequences are always highly devastating.

 

Whether you wish to admit it or not, bad elements are known to lurk around ATM machine points and even bank premises in Nigeria. With this consciousness, you may not want to act in any way that could jeopardize your personal and financial security. Therefore, you need to know these basic tips on how to make safe and secure ATM transactions.

ATM Security Tips 1: Guard your ATM Card Jealously

Most Nigerians would retrieve their ATM cards and hold them in their palms long before the ATM queues get to their turn. This is virtually common sight and unfortunately the most danger-predisposing act. Your ATM card contains some vital serial numbers which can prove useful for ATM card cloning by smart criminals. Do not retrieve your ATM card from its safe closet until it is your turn to use the ATM withdrawing machine. Guard it jealously for your own safety.

ATM Security Tip 2: Shield the typing pad and screen to prevent spying out your ATM pins

Due to the queues that occasions ATM points in Nigeria, there is the likelihood that intending ATM users standing behind you could see your ATM pin and other details as you punch the ATM key pads. To prevent this from happening, ensure you move very close to the machine so that your body mass can block the entire view from any preying eyes. It is certain that once your ATM pin is detected, your ATM, bank and personal security is already compromised.

ATM Security Tip 3: Do not use serial or repeating numbers as ATM pin

After being issued an ATM card by your bank, you are given an initial four-digit security pin. You are expected to change this pin to your own unique 4-digit pin numbers. Do not choose serial, sequential or repeating numbers as you ATM pins. Such numbers like 0000, 1234, 5678, 4321 and so on are easily memorized and can be easily compromised. As a clue, you may intermix the digits without following any easy pattern. For instance, using 6049 has no definite pattern or sequence and can prove a better secured ATM pin than the former.

ATM Security Tip 4: Never carelessly Discard any Receipt Generated by the ATM machine

Perhaps, this is the most common security error most Nigerians commit. If you ever visit the ATM machine and the transaction generates a receipt, take a close look at it. Although the information printed on it are encoded and technical, a trained reader can get vital information that can jeopardize your ATM and general financial security. It is said that prevention is better than cure. Thus, never throw away or discard your ATM transaction receipts carelessly.

 

Your safety and security during ATM transactions largely depends on you. There are many more  security strategies which you may adopt depending on the peculiarity of your location, self disposition and conviction. However, it is necessary to leave no security detail unchecked as fas as your ATM and bank transactions are concerned.

 

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