PPS-Safety

ATM SECURITY

ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires you to be aware of your surroundings, and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn’t mean it is safe to use it. It is a fact that most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight, but they DO occur during the day as well. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are women, were alone when robbed, and most claim that they never saw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:

* Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. Don’t use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.* Choose an ATM that looks and ‘feels’ safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. If you have a Defense Spray, have it ready also. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from anyone suspicious ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious person in a loud, firm voice to “back-off” and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.* If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. KEEP THE CAR IN GEAR, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.

A quick recap:

• If lights around the ATM are not working, don’t use that machine
• Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
• Have your card and Defense Spray ready, leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
• Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
• Don’t fight with or attempt to follow the robber
• Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police

read user's comments (0)

Steve Phoenix, owner of Phoenix Professional Services LLC, is one of the country’s leading personal security consultants.  He is a former Military Police Officer, Protective Agent with the US Government, industrial and personal security specialist, legal investigator and security instructor.  As Owner of Phoenix Professional Services LLC, Mr. Phoenix writes, lectures and instructs on personal security and self defense as well as continuing to provide personal security services.  He also maintains an internet commerce site for personal security devices, www.pps-safety.com, and shares his experience on his blog, www.pps-safety.net.

read user's comments (0)

 In police studies, the new C2 Taser has a higher instant incapacitation rate than a 9mm hand gun. The Taser C2 shoots out 2 darts attached to 15 feet of wire. 50,000 volts travels over the wires and over-rides the central nervous system providing incredible takedown power.

read user's comments (0)

You can’t put a pricetag on peace of mind, believe me.  For the longest time I would walk to my car at night wondering who might be lurking in the shadows.  Ever since I found your store, though, I haven’t had those worries.  Some of your personal safety products have given me the confidence to go anywhere I want whenever I want.  I shouldn’t have to stay cooped up just because it’s dark outside!And the best part is that it wasn’t even that expensive.  I’ve seen products similar to yours being sold locally for two or three times as much.  I’m not made of money and I need to watch my budget just like everyone else.  I don’t think it’s fair for people to put giant markups on their products just because they’re so necessary for so many people.

read user's comments (0)

I got a couple of your pepper spray products for my friends this past Christmas and they were very thankful.  We all work together and didn’t anticipate how early it was going to get dark this winter.  As a result we’ve often all left work together escorting one another to our cars so that we don’t get jumped or attacked.

Since buying this product we still walk out together, but not for the same reason.  It’s nice to not be afraid.  Constant vigilance is not a healthy state of mind and your products have helped all of us be free of it.  It’s certainly no fun to be afraid to leave work because you fear being attacked.  Since I work in a major urban center it’s a true reality and it happens.  But not to me!

read user's comments (0)

I’m a Real Estate Agent and I have to constantly meet people that I don’t know, in areas I’m not familiar with.  I knew this product was a great idea the minute I laid eyes on it.  What better way to conceal a stun gun than as a cell phone?  I can carry this very readily at hand and no one is suspicious.  No one expects to see something like this and it helps keep a level field.  What was even more surprising was the price.  I couldn’t believe that it was less than half the price of similar products I’ve seen at stores and markets near my house.  Great Product!

read user's comments (0)