Back to Cards and ATMs
7-10banking-basics

ATM safety

Explore why card skimming devices mimic the real card slot.

In this lesson

ATM safety is part of Cards and ATMs. This preview shows how banking-basics connects to everyday family decisions such as earning, saving, spending choices, goals, approvals, or parent-guided money conversations inside Progress Penguin.

Think about this money choice

Imagine this situation: You approach an ATM late at night. You notice a suspicious person lingering nearby and the lighting is poor.

How it works

Card skimming devices mimic the real card slot. They copy your card data when you insert it. Always inspect the card slot before use — tug it gently. If it feels loose, use a different ATM.

Try a real-life example

Real-life money moment: List four ATM safety practices in order of importance. — The four fundamentals: (1) choose a safe, well-lit location, (2) cover the keypad when entering PIN, (3) inspect the card slot before inserting, (4) stay aware of surroundings. All four together minimise ATM risk.

Activity preview

Try the challenge

Use what you learned to complete this short challenge.

Quiz preview

At an ATM, you should:

Show PIN to everyone
Let strangers see
Cover your PIN entry
Yell PIN

You approach an ATM late at night. You notice a suspicious person lingering nearby and the lighting is poor. What should you do?

Use the ATM with your back to the person
Leave and find a better-lit ATM in a safer location — safety beats convenience
Use the ATM quickly to minimise exposure
Ask the person to move before using it