Glaswegians feel least safe at ATM

Updated

A third of all Brits don't feel secure when they are taking money out at a cashpoint.

Most of them said this was because they felt uncomfortable handling money, while almost half said they were concerned about becoming a victim of cloning or fraud at the cashpoint. And while people were worried around the country, Glasgow emerged as the city where people are most concerned for their safety at the ATM.

The figures emerged in a survey by vouchercloud.com, which asked participants which cities they had felt most uncomfortable using a cashpoint in. By far the most common answer was Glasgow, where 28% of people said they didn't feel safe using the ATM. This was followed by Liverpool, where 22% of people feel unsafe, and Birmingham where 12% are uncomfortable.

The top five was:
Glasgow – 28%
Liverpool - 22%
Birmingham -12%
London - 8%
Manchester – 7%

Why?
There may be a number of reasons for this. Police in Glasgow have issued a number of high-profile warnings about the risks of crime when using an ATM - which could be sticking in people's minds in the city. There has also been media coverage of a number of ATM crimes in the city - including one this time last year where a gang used a 4x4 to steal an entire cashpoint.

In statistical terms, there seems little reason for Glasgow residents to feel particularly at risk. A study last year revealed that overwhelmingly London postcodes were home to the most street crime, with Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester the only other areas making the top ten.

Are you safe?
It's worth taking precautions at the cashpoint - wherever you are. The official statistics have revealed that ATM crime is rising. Financial Fraud Action says £31.9 million was stolen in the last year around cash points - which is a worrying increase of 10%.

To keep yourself safe, it recommends you stand close to the cash machine and shield the keypad with your free hand and your body to avoid anyone seeing you enter your PIN. If you think someone is crowding or watching you, cancel the transaction and go to another machine. Do not accept help from seemingly well-meaning strangers and never allow yourself to be distracted.

It's also important to examine the machine before you start. If you spot anything unusual about the cash machine, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it. Fraudsters sometimes fit devices to cash machines that trap your card, which they then retrieve as soon as you have left the area. If your card is retained by the machine for any reason, report it to your card company immediately, ideally using your mobile phone while you are still in front of the machine.

Finally, once you have completed a transaction, put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine. Destroy or preferably shred your cash machine receipts, mini-statements or balance enquiries when you dispose of them.

Matthew Wood of vouchercloud.com said: ""What we would recommend to people who do feel unsafe is to make sure they visit their local bank, withdraw cash with a friend or family member present for extra support or perform their banking online as much as they can."

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