Cardholder Security
Tips to keep safe at cash machines
Cash machines are a very safe way to access your account and avoid the risks of having to carry large amounts of cash with you. Millions of transactions are made through the LINK system every day and the chances of becoming a victim of cash machine crime are very low. However, there are some simple steps you can take to help fight cash machine crime.
You should always cover your PIN with one hand as you enter it with the other
Other tips to keep safe at cash machines:
- Scan the whole area before you approach a cash machine. Avoid using the cash machine if there are suspicious-looking individuals around.
- Check to see if anything looks unusual or suspicious about the cash machine suggesting it might have been tampered with.
- If the cash machine appears to have any attachments to the card slot, cash slot or key pad, do not use it and if possible alert nearby staff or call the police.
- If your card gets jammed or retained by the machine or no cash comes out, report this immediately to your bank or building society, ideally while you are still in front of the machine.
- Check that others in the queue keep a good distance from you.
- Keep your PIN secret. Never reveal your PIN to anyone, not to someone claiming to be from your bank, the police and especially not to a "helpful" stranger.
- Be especially cautious if strangers try to distract you or offer to help at an cash machine, even if your card is stuck or you are having difficulty with the transaction.
- Regularly check your account balance and keep your receipt.
Video footage reveals how criminals can try to get hold of your four-digit PIN when you use an cash machine that they have targeted. By simply shielding the keypad with your free hand, keys, wallet or purse, you can easily stop a criminal from finding out your PIN.
High-tech attacks, such as skimming and copying card details, are very rare. Most cash machines have equipment that prevents this sort of attack. Moreover, these attacks cannot work on Chip cards unless the would-be criminal discovers your PIN. You can prevent this by the very simple step of covering your PIN with one hand as you enter it with the other, protecting yourself from the person looking over your shoulder and even from high tech attacks like covert cameras.
However, cash machines crime can and does sometimes occur. LINK and the cash machines industry take this very seriously and we have published guidance on cardholder security to help cash machines users avoid crime.
If you have information about cash machines crime, please contact Crimestoppers.
Download our guide of hints and tips to keep you safe at the cash machines.
Frequently asked questions
Please contact LINK using the contact us form.
Contact your bank or building society as you are their customer and only they have all the details of your account. They can check your account and if necessary, contact the LINK cash machine operator.
You will need to tell them:
- Where the cash machine is.
- The date & time of the withdrawal.
- The amount of cash you tried to withdraw.
- The amount of cash you received (if any).
In most cases, a LINK cash machine will wait a few seconds and then retract the cash and your account will be re-credited. If this hasn’t happened, you should contact your bank or building society. They can check your account and, if necessary, contact the LINK cash machine operator.
You will need to tell them:
- Where the cash machine is.
- The date & time you tried to use the cash machine.
- The amount of cash you tried to withdraw.
If you are a member of the public or represent a local community and want to request a cash machine for your area, click here.
You should contact your bank or building society as soon as possible to sort out a replacement. For security reasons it isn't possible to open a cash machine to get your card back.
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