On Gaurd at the ATM

[target1911]

I am not sure if this is the right place for it but I used some S/T so i thought it would fit here but feel free to move it.


A couple of nights ago I was on my way home from work. I had to stop at the gas station first. I was very tired and in a lot of pain. Needless to say I was not in a very good mood either.
Before I continue I wil say, bad mood or not, I am always willing to help others so my mood didnt have anything to do with my actions.
I pulled up to the gas pump and parked. Nowhere else to safely park at the time and most of the pumps were open. I got out of the car I was driving.....(I was trying to diagnose a problem with my moms car.)
I make a quik scan of the ppl/cars in the lot. Walk up to the outside ATM<<<I HATE THESE....When I step up to the ATM I make another scan before I make my transaction. A guy is walkin towards me at a brisk pace. My sences are now tuned into the situation.
He walks upto me and starts the spill about needing a jump...Oh boy ....Here we go.....

I simply and firmly (not hateful in the least) say "I cant help you, sorry"
He said "not a prob, no big deal" and turns and walks away.

Make another scan as I watch him walk away

Complete ATM transaction and go into store. The whole time I am in there I am also watching him in the parking lot. He got his jump as I was walkin out.
All was on the up 'n up

Now...he was not a shady lookin guy so to speak but....
I'll be darned if you're goin to approach me when I am at the ATM to ask for a jump. I found that rude and inconciderate. This area is not a bad area but it has its share of >>>>Sob stories for money type ppl...And at the time he walked up I became very nervous.
Anytime I need the ATM and someone else is using it, I will keep some distance for thier piece of mind.


I must admit......I have always stayed somewhat aware of my surroundings, But in the last few months that I have been visting various gun forums, I am even more aware of my suroundings AND the different tactics/disstrations of the BGs.

 

[HUMONGO]

I gotta tell you, you did everything right. I live in a state that deems me unable to provide for my own defense. All I have available to me is my wits and I'll be damned if I let them fail me.


Kudos.

BTW, it was bad form for him to approach you at the ATM.

 

[Alex45ACP]

It was, but he probably didn't realize it. Most people don't even think about stuff like that, unfortunately.

 

[RNB65]

I haven't used an ATM machine in years. I use a debit card and get cash back at retail stores. You're far less likely to get mugged in the checkout line at Wal Mart than at an outdoor ATM machine.

 

[748]

"go in the store and get cash back"
Yea that is what I tell my wife, she never uses our banks ATM so we all ways get charged that +$2.
Go in the store, that way you keep your money to your self.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

My Girlfriend decided she needed cash in downtown Asheville one sunny Sunday so she walked up to the ATM and started her withdrawal.
In the park across the street 3 homeless guys were hanging out and talking. One saw her hit the ATM and immediately started toward us.

She was completely oblivious. Didn't even check her environment, didn't ponder anything. And, if I bring up S&T to her, she tells me I'm paranoid (we've agreed to not bring up the political conversation about guns anymore). So, I get the job of watching her six and mine.

So as little crusty hobo comes walking up, knowing she has money because he saw her withdraw it, hand out: I step in between them. I wasn't mean, just firm.

She accused me of being mean to the guy. "He just wanted a dollar"

People watch ATMs. Try to watch them, if you can.

 

[target1911]

I usually only use cash but I was out at the time and I had my GFs bank card. I didnt want to go thru the mess at the counter if they wanted ID since my name wasnt on the card so I just used the ATM. I will say tho, as I got outta the car and noticed the ATM was outside, I told myself, @#$^, I hate these damn things......Thats when I went into High Alert instead of just... Alert. I never have liked them and they have always givin nasty gut feeling.

I guess I have always had a higher sence of S/A from a young age than most. For some reason I always had some punk in school wanting to prove something so I naturally watch my back anyway.

 

[40SW]

I second the notion of getting cash back at grocery /retail stores. The supermarket where I frequent will give me up to $100 back at the register when I pay with any bankcard they take, I never carry much cash to begin with, but with a cashback at the sale, I don't get hit with ATM fees either. so its a winwin, I dont have to place myself at a remote ATM and I don't pay high fees. winwin everytime.

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

I haven't used an ATM in 20+ years. I use a credit card(with cash-back bonuses) and try to have at least $50 with me at all times. The need for more cash can usually be anticipated and a daytime trip to the inside of local bank branch is safer than a night time visit to any ATM. If you have the money in a bank to withdraw, then why not carry some of it with you and avoid the risk of a confrontation at the ATM from the get-go? You are no more likely to get mugged carrying $50 than carrying $0. My own "situational awareness" views ATM's as potentially dangerous (and costly). I just don't use them and haven't had a pin number in over 20 years. YMMV.

 

[oobray]

I too am usually very nervous around ATM's however sometimes you have to use them. I have noticed one thing though. When you have some situation like the one described, I have noticed my tendency to form tunnel vision on that person. It sounds to me like in your story, the man who needed a jump was not out to harm you. However, when he left you probably focused most of your attention on him, whereas your threat could still be yet to come and from another direction/person. Always be looking EVERYWHERE! Or, I usually try and employ another set of eyes for a lookout, either a friend or my wife.

Glad everything turned out well.

 

[Mannlicher]

RNB65

I haven't used an ATM machine in years. I use a debit card and get cash back at retail stores. You're far less likely to get mugged in the checkout line at Wal Mart than at an outdoor ATM machine.

Same here. I do not even know the last time I used an outdoor ATM.

Still, the thread starter showed good observation skills, which is always important.

 

[target1911]

It sounds to me like in your story, the man who needed a jump was not out to harm you.

I agree..........

However, when he left you probably focused most of your attention on him, whereas your threat could still be yet to come and from another direction/person. Always be looking EVERYWHERE!

I did watch him closely....BUT....no tunnel vision here.....I was watching everywhere.....to the point that anyone who seen me probly thought i was either very nervous or paranoid. I did not keep my eyes on the ATM any longer than i absolutly had to.

I do want to thank everyone for the replies and please keep them coming.

 

[buck00]

He got his jump as I was walkin out.

So he did need a jump? He wasn't a robber? Hmm.

I'll be darned if you're goin to approach me when I am at the ATM to ask for a jump. I found that rude and inconciderate.

Did this guy come up to you while you were in the stall at a public bathroom? I don't think he did anything rude. In fact, put yourself in his shoes- he probably thought you were rude and inconsiderate.

I am all-for being prepared, but you're in a decent neighborhood, the guy doesn't look shady, and you brush him off and go to DEFCOM 4? It's your life but sounds like you are a bit paranoid.


Were you able to look the guy in the eye as you walked past him to get in your car?

 

[JWarren]

buck00 wrote:

Did this guy come up to you while you were in the stall at a public bathroom? I don't think he did anything rude. In fact, put yourself in his shoes- he probably thought you were rude and inconsiderate.

I gotta disagree with you. Anyone should know it is VERY bad form to approach anyone who is at an ATM regardless of the neighborhood.

I find it odd that it would be more offensive to approach someone using the bathroom than getting money at an ATM.

You are far less likely that someone would approach you and demand your poop than you are that they would demand your money. It's not paranoia-- its understanding that you are painting a big ole sign over your head that you are getting money in your hand.

Crime happens in good neighborhoods, too.


-- John

 

[supraneurotoxin]

You are far less likely that someone would approach you and demand your poop than you are that they would demand your money.

great, another keyboard ruined by THR and coffee. I hope you people are happy

I'd find it rude to approach someone while at the ATM. I happen to find it rude when someone is in line behind me, and they're right up my A$$. I don't use the things myself, in favor of plastic.

 

[target1911]

In fact, put yourself in his shoes

As a matter of fact I have been in his shoes....needing a jump....But I WILL NOT approach ANYONE at an ATM for ANY reason. I am considerate enough to give them thier space. I will wait till they are done and only then will I ask for help.

he probably thought you were rude and inconsiderate.

I was in no way RUDE,hatefull, or to sharp. I was just matter of fact and there is nothing wrong with that.
He asked if I could help him and I said, "no I cant, sorry" If I was rude I dont think he would have said, "Thank You anyway"

Did this guy come up to you while you were in the stall at a public bathroom?

I dont care if its an ATM card or my @!(% in my hand, you dont approach and ask anything....You wait till I am done, then I will be more than happy to help.



Why is there always someone that wants to jump in and point fingers on every post???? You can do something 100% by the book, but there will always someone that comes along to look down there nose at you and
start contraversy.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Watching the ATM

"He just wanted a dollar"

Yeah.

Like you can get "a dollar" from an ATM.

Think it through.

If he just saw you pull cash, and he asks for "a dollar," and you say, "sorry, no cash," and he says, "well, just break a twenty inside," and you say . . . and he says . . . and you say . . .

At this point you are way too deeply engaged.

There is no good procedural line once you engage the guy.

Disengage.

Firmly if you have to, but disengage.

 

[streicherr]

You are far less likely that someone would approach you and demand your poop than you are that they would demand your money.

Apples and oranges. In one case you're making a deposit, rather than a withdrawl...

Randy

 

[Glockafella]

Yeah dont approach people at the ATM people...geezz.

If u need something yell lol

 

[Soybomb]

I find it odd that it would be more offensive to approach someone using the bathroom than getting money at an ATM.

You are far less likely that someone would approach you and demand your poop than you are that they would demand your money.

I'm actually more on guard for bathroom trouble, especially in rest stops and the like. Robberies there aren't entirely uncommon, sitting or standing, you're usually occupied and won't be giving chase for a few seconds. At an atm its usually well lit and I can see people approaching me from a distance, you expect people to be coming up behind/near you at the urinal.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

I haven't used an ATM machine in years. I use a debit card and get cash back at retail stores. You're far less likely to get mugged in the checkout line at Wal Mart than at an outdoor ATM machine.

At least at retail stores, when they mug you it's called INFLATION.

 

[Xenia]

I use the ATM alot. I mostly pay for everything in cash so sometimes I need to go and get some. Or, I need to deposit to pay for an over the net purchase.

I choose an ATM where it is not very busy and has very little foot traffic. I drive into it looking all around. If someone drives in, I know it.

I keep my car doors locked all the time. At an ATM, the only window down is the drivers window to access the atm.

If someone approached I would get my cell phone out and call 911 first and before anything else.

ATM's are bad spots I know, I would rather call 911 and then have to tell them that the problem is resolved, the person walked away, then anything else.

I would not get out of the car and approach anyone! I would do all I could to get my debit card out of the machine ASAP and drive away.

 

[Lucky45]

Hey Xenia,
If you need cash that much that you go to an ATM all the time for cash, then why don't you just get a debit card and pay at the register???

Then whenever you need cash, just select CASH BACK and get $40 to keep in your wallet for whatever. That is what I do. Then whenever I get low on funds, just recharge next time I'm in ANY store.

The added benefit is that when you are being "solicited" by others for money, you can easily say, "Hey, I just have plastic." That is my favorite line and I don't have to argue with anyone about my money. "You got spare ch...... Uh, just got plastic.!!"

And to address what was said earlier about the guy being rude. He did right. Alot of people nowadays don't know what good manners/ etiquette is. Home training isn't the norm in 2007. People don't know to wait until someone has finish doing their business / phone call and stay out of their personal space 6 - 8 ft before you try to converse with / approach a complete stranger.

 

[cracked junior]

i try to stay away from outside atms. i usualy get cash back at the check out. otherwise i go to my banks atm. pull my truck as close to the atm as possible with out hitting anything

i dont give those people anything. the ones around here arent really poor. the newspaper did a report on them last year. they averaged 380 dollars a day. thats double what i make and i still have to pay taxes and many other deductions, while they dont pay any taxes and get free health care.

the one guy has a stetson cowboy hat, turkey platter belt buckle and a cell phone.

 

[TallPine]

I've never used an ATM.

I got along fine before they ever invented them and I can get along fine now.

I hate spending money anyway