ATM robbers may be waiting at your Automated Teller Machine.

ATM cash withdrawal after-hours is high-risk if alone and female.

Learn how ATM robbers think and view you as a potential victim.

Think about times and locations where your ATM use was risky.

Have a family meeting to discuss ATM security plans for late-night ATM use.

Podcast Time Stamps:

[1:10]  - ATM robbers want the element of surprise.

[1:48]  - Some ATM locations are better for robbers.

[2:40]  - My ATM is your ATM.

[3:28]  - Robbers don’t like ATMs in supermarkets.

[4:10]  - Robbers prefer to confront a single ATM victim.

[4:45]  - Robbers expect ATM victims to cooperate.

[5:20]  - Robbers hate attentive ATM customers.

[5:58]  - Robbers will use excessive force if you resist.

[6:25]  - Video surveillance cameras are not a big concern to ATM robbers.

[7:05]  - Good lighting doesn’t matter that much to ATM robbers.

10 things Robbers don't want ATM victims to know.Tweet This

ATM Robbers Don't Want You to Know

1. ATM robbers want the element of surprise

ATM robbers are usually male and under 25 years old.  They look a little scruffy because they are likely intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. If you look around, the ATM robber is usually a suspicious-looking male within 25 yards, standing in the shadows or sitting in a car. ATM robbers often work alone, but sometimes use a partner for a lookout or getaway driver.

2.  Some ATM locations are better for robbers

ATM robbers prefer isolated machines with poor line-of-sight from the street or parking lot. They like to hide nearby behind some obstruction until the right moment.

Robbers also like the bank drive-thru-lane machine because they can sneak up on your open car window while you focus on punching in your ATM code number. They know you can't run while buckled into your car seat.

ATM robbers have the advantage because they pick the best time, the location with the best hiding places, and escape routes.

3. My ATM is your ATM

Once robbers stake out your machine, they don’t have to do anything but hang around nearby, watch, and wait. ATM robbers strike between 8:00 pm – 4:00 am when ATM traffic is slowest.

Robbers don’t have a bank account or a bank ATM card, so when they need quick cash, they’ll use yours. They hope you withdraw $300, but will settle for less. They may also demand your phone, wallet, purse, watch, or jewelry.

Occasionally, robbers will steal your car too, and may take you with them to another crime scene.

4. Robbers don’t like ATM security in supermarkets

Robbers can’t see the machine from the parking lot or know when someone approaches it. There are cashiers, video surveillance, and too many witnesses. Large stores may have security watching.

Robbers lose the element of surprise if they enter the store with their faces covered or guns out. They don’t have a view of the parking lot from inside to know if the police are waiting outside.

5. Robbers prefer to rob a single ATM victim

Robbers prefer to rob a woman who arrives alone at an ATM. They prefer that you don’t pay attention to your surroundings or talk on your phone at the ATM.

Sometimes they pretend to use an adjacent ATM so you'll think they're okay. Attempting to rob two or more people increases their risk or likelihood of resistance.

6. Robbers expect ATM victims to act a certain way

Robbers wait for you to approach the machine, oblivious to your surroundings. They'll wait for you to focus all your attention on the ATM, insert your ATM card, enter your PIN code, and request cash. They will suddenly and silently appear behind you, armed with a weapon just as your cash dispenses.

They will threaten to hurt you if you don’t follow my commands and hand over your cash and other property without resistance.

7. ATM robbers' least favorite customer

The ATM user who arrives by car with one or more passengers. The driver stays inside with the motor running and headligh...