An ATM Safety Guide

Intermediate ESL Level


I. Pre-reading

  • Do you keep your money in a bank?
  • Does your bank have branches?
  • Do you have an ATM card?
  • Do you know what ATM means?

    • II. Vocabulary

    unusualreimbursedat once
    immediatelyminimizeflash
    unauthorizedsuspiciousput away

    III. Reading

    If you have an automated teller machine (ATM) card, be alert, cautious and careful. Follow these ATM safety tips:


    BE ALERT


    Use common sense
    Trust your eyes, ears and feelings. Only use ATMs where you feel safe.

    Stop, look and watch
    If you think someone is following you when you use your ATM card, move quickly to a safe, crowded area. Don't stay at the machine.

    burglarKnow the ATM
    Do not use the ATM if:
    • the ATM looks different or
    • the ATM has any unusual signs.
    Contact the bank and report the problem immediately.

    Guard your card
    Tell your bank immediately if:
    • your ATM card is lost or stolen or
    • any unauthorized ATM transactions appear on your account statements.
    You should be fully reimbursed if you notify your bank promptly.
    Treat your ATM card like cash. Guard your ATM/debit card as carefully as cash, checks and credit cards.

    BE CAUTIOUS


    Keep your personal identification number (PIN) a secret
    • Memorize your PIN.
    • Stand between the machine and anyone behind you.
    • NEVER tell your PIN to anyone.
    • NEVER write it on your card or keep it with the card.
    • NEVER let someone else enter it for you.

    Practice safety
    1. At your walk-up ATM:
      1. Minimize time spent at the ATM.
      2. Have your card ready to use.
      3. While using your card, if anyone or anything seems suspicious, press cancel and leave immediately.
      4. NEVER let a stranger help you at an ATM.
     
    1. At your drive-up ATM:
      1. Keep your car engine running.
      2. Make sure your doors are locked.
      3. Only open the driver's window.
      4. If something seems unusual, drive away at once.
    Don't flash cash
    • Put away your money, receipt, card and wallet right away.
    • Never walk around with cash in your hand.

    BE CAREFUL


    Protect your purchases
    When using an ATM, place your bags and purchases between you and the machine where you can easily see them.

    Play it safe at night
    Choose an ATM that is well lit. There is safety in numbers, so bring along a friend if you can.

    IV. Post-reading


    True or False?  Click on "Select" to choose your answers. After you have answered all the questions, go back and click on "Answer" to see the correct answers.

      1.     Write your PIN number on your social security card so you won't forget it.
      

      2.     Never walk around with cash in your hand.
      

      3.     Don't shut off your car engine at the drive-up ATM.
      

      4.     Take your time at the ATM. There is no hurry.
      

      5.     To be safe, bring a friend to the drive-up ATM at night.
      

      6.     If you have a problem at the ATM, ask another customer for help.
      

      7.     If your ATM card is lost, don't worry because you may find it soon.
      

      8.     Make sure your ATM is well lit.
      

    Choose the correct answer. Click on "Select" to choose your best answers. After you have answered all the questions, go back and click on "Answer" to see the correct answers. How many correct answers did you have?

      1.   If your ATM card is lost or stolen, notify:
     

      2.   How should you feel at your ATM?
     

      3.   What should you keep secret?
     

      4.   In your car at the ATM, what should you open?
     

      5.   What should you have ready at the ATM?
     

    V. Activities

    If you are working with a tutor or a partner, discuss your answers.

    1. Make a list of what you should be careful about at the ATM.
    2. Write down what your friends and family members do to keep safe at the ATM.
    3. Do you know anyone who was robbed at the ATM? Look for newspaper stories about robberies at the ATM.
    4. The next time you use your ATM card, take note of how the machine looks and where it is.
    Writing suggestion

    Write to paragraph explain what you would do if you came to an ATM that was broken and there was a lot of money coming out of it. Would you keep the money? Would you return it to the bank? What are your reasons?