The location of an ATM matters more than you think
The recent incident in a Bangalore ATM, where Jyothi Uday was attacked with a machete, has left us wondering if women will ever be safe in this country. The attacker pulled down the shutter of the ATM, hit her repeatedly and then pushed her against the wall. The banker has a skull fracture and is battling in the ICU. All of this happened in broad daylight leaving us confused and almost lose faith in the system.
Women are considered as easy victims because they aren’t as physically strong as their male counterparts. We might not have the muscles, but we do have it in us to think rationally and make safety our first priority. Thus, applying safety measures is a must in recent times. Here are a few basic safety tips for you to follow when using an ATM.
1. Be alert
You need to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are. Be alert about the man in the car, the one smoking at the corner of the street, and especially the one inside the ATM. You need to trust your intuition too. If anything looks or feels wrong, it probably is. Also if anything makes you feel uncomfortable, leave the place right away.
2. Avoid ATMs located in remote areas
The location of an ATM matters more than you think. Make sure you choose an ATM which is on a busy street, and has a lot of activity happening around. So if you are in trouble, you will be able to call for help. Choosing the location wisely brings down the chances of being robbed or even attacked.
3. Do not enter an ATM at odd hours
No one needs to tell you where and what time you should be going to a certain place. But safety is more important today. Do not enter an ATM late in the night or too early in the morning. If you need to withdraw cash urgently during such hours, make sure you take someone along.
4. Make sure there’s a security guard outside the ATM
We feel much safer when we know that there’s a security guard outside/ inside the ATM. So make sure you don’t enter an ATM which does not have a security guard.
5. Under dress
There’s no need to go to an ATM dressed like Diwali is round the corner. Make sure that you don’t wear expensive jewellery.
6. Do not linger
The moment your transaction is done, collect your receipt and your ATM card. Shove your valuables in your wallet and head out that very minute. You can count all the money once you are someplace safe.
Image courtesy: © Thinkstockphotos/ Getty images
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