Is it safe to use ATMs? For the most part, yes.

Some ATM-related crimes are certainly on the rise. For example, in 2023, FICO reported a 90% year-over-year increase in the number of bank ATMs that were compromised by skimming devices, which read (and steal) card information.

But these crimes still impact a very small portion of all ATMs. Plus, new technology such as cardless ATMs further reduces the risk of fraud. That doesn't mean every ATM is safe — in fact, some are far riskier than others — but you can practice ATM safety habits that help keep you and your information out of harm's way.

Is it safe to use ATMs?

Most ATMs are perfectly safe to use. However, anyone who uses these machines should understand the security risks they pose, so they can better spot the warning signs. Here are some of the most common crimes involving ATMs:

• Skimming and shimming: Placing devices inside or over the card reader to collect information from the magnetic stripe or microchip. According to the FBI, skimmers alone cost consumers and businesses more than $1 billion each year.

• Jugging: A rising crime that involves robbing someone in a parking lot after they've used an ATM, or following them to their next location to rob them.

• Cash trapping: Blocking the cash dispenser to prevent you from retrieving money, and then collecting the cash after you leave.

ATM safety tips

The key to using an ATM safely is to choose a safe location, and then scan the area and the machine for red flags. If you notice anything suspicious, you can end your transaction and go elsewhere. Here's what to look out for.

Avoid swiping when possible

Swiping a card is the least secure way to use an ATM or make payments. That's because there are devices that can read and steal your card information when you swipe. Tapping your card is much safer since it encrypts your card information. Not all ATMs have a tap-to-pay option, but you can look for "contactless" ATMs that do.

Or there's a newer option: cardless ATMs. With these machines, you make withdrawals with the help of your banking app or digital wallet instead of a physical card. In addition to keeping your card out of harm's way, cardless ATMs improve your safety by using biometric information and two-factor authentication to confirm your identity.

Not all ATMs are cardless, but all Capital One and some Bank of America and Chase ATMs are. You can contact your bank or credit union to see if they have cardless ATMs available.

Read more: 6 important security features to look for in a bank

Be aware of your surroundings

The FBI urges ATM customers to look around for people who appear to be loitering. But when you scan the area, don't just look for obvious, unusual behavior. The following people are exhibiting suspicious behavior, too:

• Someone backed into a parking space and sitting in the vehicle rather than exiting the car or waiting for another person at the ATM.

• A person standing nearby who offers to help you use the ATM or distracts you with conversation.

If you see anyone lurking near an ATM, whether in a car or on foot, it's best to leave. Even if you've already started the transaction, you can just cancel it and go.

Only use ATMs in well-lit public areas

Secluded ATMs are more likely to be compromised than machines in heavily trafficked areas, and so are machines that lack good lighting and visibility around them. If you have to go to an ATM after dark, always take another person with you and find a machine that's not hidden from public view.

Some of the safest options are bank ATMs, specifically inside of banks and credit unions. By comparison, about 67% of all compromised machines in 2023 were at non-bank ATMs, located in spots like convenience stores and gas stations.

Cover the pin pad

Another way to keep your information secure is by using your free hand to cover the keypad. Some criminals place pinhole cameras at ATMs to record customers as they enter PINs and other account details, so it's best to keep the keypad covered.

You can also position your body in a way that shields nearby people from viewing the information you enter.

Inspect for tampering

Before you use any machine, check to see if there are signs of tampering. There are a variety of devices that can be placed over parts of the ATM in order to steal your credit or debit card information, such as keypad overlays, screen covers, and skimmers.

So before starting a transaction, make sure there are no signs that someone tampered with the ATM, including:

• Sticky residue or adhesive

• Crooked or flimsy pieces

• Loose parts or extra parts

• Parts that look newer than the rest of the machine

• Mushy or resistant buttons

• Dented or damaged parts

• A cash receptacle that's blocked or can't be opened

• Payment methods other than swiping are blocked

Practice car safety

Cars add their own set of safety issues into the mix. Whether you park or drive through to an ATM, here's how you can reduce the risk of robbery:

• Before pulling up to a drive-up ATM, roll up the passenger windows and lock the doors. Keep your phone handy in case of emergency.

• If someone approaches you while you're at a drive-up ATM, cancel the transaction and drive away.

• If you park your car, don't leave the car running or the keys inside. Have your keys handy so you can leave as soon as your transaction is complete.

Don't linger

Before you approach an ATM, have your card or phone ready, and make sure you're not distracted. Once you're done with the transaction, don't stand around and count your cash. Instead, tuck your card, cash, and receipt away immediately, and don't leave your receipt near the ATM.

If something suspicious does happen, don't hang around the area or try to investigate. Instead, go straight to a well-trafficked public place or a police station.

Read more: How to avoid ATM fees