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Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

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An ATM is a computer that lets you access your financial institution accounts to withdraw or deposit money, transfer funds from one account to another or check your account balances.  If you have an account with a financial institution, you can usually use its ATMs for free. If you use another financial institution’s ATM, you may have to pay a fee to both your financial institution and the one that owns the ATM. 

ATM "Skimming" - Don't Fall Prey

Don’t fall prey to ATM skimming scams. Scammers can quickly read a card’s information and use it to access your account fraudulently. With a small device referred to as a "skimmer", your card’s information gets stored so that criminals can easily get to it later. Skimmers may be installed on ATM machines, and sometimes you can't even detect them.  A small device goes over the normal card reading slot and reads your card’s magnetic stripe.

Skimmers can also be handheld devices that a dishonest merchant can keep in his pocket. While charging your card while you’re out at dinner, for example, a scammer can run your card through a skimmer as well.

To avoid being a victim of skimming scams, use these helpful tips:

  • Use secure ATM machines – under video surveillance or inside of a bank lobby. They're less likely to be tampered with. Thieves have to take more risk installing skimmers where there are security cameras.
  • Cover the ATM keypad as you're entering your PIN -- just in case there's a hidden camera around.
  • Skimming devices will normally stick out a few extra inches from an ATM. If something looks suspicious, find another ATM. Don't fall for a poor fitting device (or a sticker or sign that says "Swipe Here First", or “Use This Machine Only”).
  • If a machine keeps your card, call the bank immediately and report it.
  • Don't accept "help" from anybody hanging around the ATM machine. They may say they were having trouble also and you just need to enter your PIN again.
  • Keep your eyes on your card if you have any doubts. Don't let a merchant walk off with your card -- even for a few seconds.

Additional Information:

An ATM machine as defined in Section 7-1-603 of the Official Code of Georgia, may be established throughout the state by any Georgia state bank or credit union. Any bank not otherwise doing a lawful banking business in this state may operate ATMs throughout this state, provided such ATMs are unstaffed and not combined with a staffed facility. The term "unstaffed" shall mean that any persons employed by a sponsoring financial institution shall not be empowered to open new accounts at the location, or, both close loans and disburse proceeds at the location. Combinations of facilities such as a loan production office, deposit production office and an ATM or cash dispensing machine are permitted subject to the limitations of Department Rule 80-1-15-.01.

Go to Lexis Nexis and search for 7-1-603 for further details.

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