How to protect yourself from ATM theft

As convenient as automated teller machines (ATMs) are, they can also be targets for thieves looking to steal money or commit other crimes. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is forcing you to withdraw money from an ATM, it's important to know how to protect yourself.

1. Stay calm and comply

The first and most important thing to do in this situation is to stay calm and comply with the thief's demands. Do not argue or resist, as you never know what the person may do if they feel threatened or provoked.

2. Enter your PIN in reverse

Many people are not aware of this, but most ATMs have a feature that allows you to enter your PIN in reverse to alert the police discreetly. For example, if your PIN is 1234, you would enter 4321 instead. The machine will still dispense the money, but it will also send an alert to the authorities, who can then respond to the situation.

3. The machine thief won't notice

The beauty of this feature is that the thief won't notice that you've entered your PIN in reverse. They will assume that you are simply withdrawing money as requested, giving you time to alert the police without putting yourself in further danger.

4. Not all ATMs have this feature

It's important to note that not all ATMs have this feature, and it may be called something different depending on the machine's manufacturer. Some machines may also require you to sign up for the service beforehand. It's a good idea to check with your bank or the ATM's owner to find out if this feature is available and how to use it.

5. Share this information

Finally, it's important to share this information with your friends and family so that they can also protect themselves in case they are ever in a similar situation. Many people are not aware of this feature, and it could potentially save someone's life or prevent a robbery from taking place.


In conclusion, while ATM theft is a serious issue, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Remember to stay calm, enter your PIN in reverse, and share this information with others. With these tips in mind, you can use ATMs with confidence and peace of mind.