Tag Archive for: ATM security

ATM Security Facts: Debunking the “Montana Moose Heist”

by

Knowing ATM security facts is important. Not only should ATM owners feel confident that their assets and customers are safe from thefts and attacks, but the public should know just how dumb it is to try to breach an ATM.

Earlier this month, a story about a moose breaking open an ATM machine and a bystander making it rich went viral. As funny as it sounds, it never actually happened. 

This post has everything it needs to attain viral status. In a world plagued by AI deepfakes and disinformation, it’s important to recognize the signs of fake news so that you can stay informed. Knowing some basic ATM security facts can help debunk this story, too. We understand the general public doesn’t know all of the ins and outs of ATM equipment. We wrote this article to help!

The Formula for a Viral Post

On November 2, 2025, StoryTime posted a fictional story titled “Moose Millionaire Made Overnight” accompanied by a likely fake image made to look like security footage. According to the post, a moose charged into an outdoor ATM, cash flew everywhere, and an opportunistic passerby made off with thousands in loose bills. Montanans joked that it was “the most Montana heist ever”—and people actually believed it. 

How can the authenticity of a story like this be verified? When researching the story, the lack of specific details, reports, and authority is telling. There are no police reports, no local news coverage, and no verified footage from any security camera. 

These days, it’s easy to create a “news clip” using AI-generated imagery and a fake article template. Add a heartwarming animal, a sensational dollar amount, and you’ve got a perfect storm of viral humor and misinformation.

People love the absurd, and a moose robbing an ATM hits all the right notes: wild, funny, and just plausible enough for a quick share. But the “Montana Moose Heist” also highlights a real issue for the ATM industry—public misunderstanding about ATM security.

5 ATM Security Facts

Fact #1: Modern ATMs Are Fortresses

The idea that an animal, or even a human without specialized tools, could physically breach an ATM is wildly unrealistic. Most ATMs are built from reinforced steel, feature vault doors with time-delay locks, and are bolted into concrete foundations. Even if a moose did charge, it would hit a wall of metal tougher than most vehicle bumpers.

Fact #2: Cash Cassettes Are Mini Vaults

Cash inside an ATM isn’t loose or easily accessible. Bills are stored in locked, removable cassettes, and every transaction or access attempt is digitally logged. In other words, you can’t just knock an ATM around and expect free money to fly out. Leave that to Hollywood and viral videos.

Fact #3: Every Access Point Is Monitored

Nearly all modern ATMs feature 24/7 video surveillance, both internal and external. Many are also equipped with GPS-tracked sensors, tamper alerts, and remote shutdown capabilities. If anything suspicious occurs, operators are alerted instantly, often before anyone on-site even notices a problem. So if the viral faked security image were real, there would be verifiable video evidence, too.

Fact #4: Real Threats Do Not Create Spectacle

While the “moose heist” makes for a great laugh, the real risks to ATMs come from skimming devices and malware. These threats aren’t funny. They are malicious attempts to create equipment malfunctions and steal customer data. 

While steel walls and high-tech locks secure ATMs physically, independent ATM deployers (IADs) and other business owners also take steps to protect the machines internally. They conduct regular inspections for overlays or hidden cameras, install skimmer detection technology, and use remote monitoring software. Although an ATM may look unattended, it certainly isn’t unmonitored. ATM machines are also strategically placed in well-lit, high traffic areas to prevent tampering and other ATM-related crimes.

Fact #5: ATM Machines Are Typically Not Filled to Capacity

The viral claim that someone scooped up $200,000 in loose cash after a moose rammed an ATM is highly implausible. Most retail ATMs (gas stations, convenience stores, small locations) typically hold $10,000 to $20,000 in cash. Bank-owned or high-traffic location ATMs may be loaded with higher amounts. Figures can range from $50,000 to $200,000 for such machines. 

However, actual typical loaded cash amounts are well below $200K, especially at retail locations. ATM withdrawal trends are monitored and cash is strategically stocked to meet customer needs while minimizing liability. 

So, a claim of someone grabbing $200,000 in loose cash spilling out of an ATM would imply that the machine held at or above the top-end of its theoretical capacity and that all of that cash was suddenly accessible/unsecured—both of which are extremely unlikely. Using a figure like $200,000 to lend plausibility to the “moose heist” narrative is very much at the outer limits (or beyond) of real ATM cash loads, something that should be a red-flag for readers.

Stories like the “Montana Moose Heist” may seem like harmless fun, but misinformation can sometimes lead customers to question ATM reliability or safety. Furthermore, it can be dangerous for someone to think that they themselves could breach an ATM machine.

That’s why it’s important for ATM operators and IADs to be proactive in educating customers about ATM security facts. View these viral moments as teachable opportunities. 

Outrageous ATM Stories That Actually Happened

Don’t worry—we don’t want to ruin all the fun! While the Montana Moose Heist is 100% fiction, there are plenty of real-life ATM incidents that sound almost as unbelievable.

The ATM That Spat Out $100 Bills Instead of $10s

In 2019, a Bank of America ATM in Houston made local news when a software glitch caused it to dispense $100 bills instead of $10s. Word spread fast, and a crowd formed before police eventually shut it down. Amazingly, the bank allowed customers who benefited from the glitch to keep the extra cash. Talk about winning the lottery!

ATM…Robbed?…with a Backhoe

How fortified are ATM machines? In Chicago in 2022, thieves stole a backhoe from a construction site then drove it 20 miles to a Chase Bank ATM where they used it to pry the ATM from its foundation and load it onto a truck. Workers later came to remove money out of the ATM. After all of that, it wasn’t obvious whether any money was actually stolen from the ATM. Does that answer your question?

It’s Raining Cash

In November 2021, the door of an armored truck reportedly unexpectedly opened in California on the Interstate 5 freeway near San Diego. Drivers stopped their cars to pick up the cash that fell out. California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Bettencourt said there were “free-floating bills all over the freeway.”

More recently, in April 2025 in Niagara Falls, a Brinks guard was opening a Bank of America ATM when gusty winds caught the bills and scattered the money. The guard gathered as much as he could, but others in the vicinity grabbed some of the bills and ran. A similar event occurred during a delivery in February in Abilene, Texas. 

Unfortunately, this is not a “finders keepers” situation. Unlike the Houston customers who got to keep their extra cash, those who collected stray bills from ATM deliveries are expected to return the cash to the proper authorities or face criminal charges if identified. 

Offline Loopholes

In 2011, Sydney cash machines experienced a glitch caused by the machines going offline. The problem affected more than 40 Commonwealth Bank cash machines. Operating in stand-by mode, the machines could not identify the account balances of customers. So, in some cases, customers who had little or no money were able to withdraw large sums of cash.

In the approximate five and a half hours the glitch lasted, word got out and as many as 50 people stood in line at one particular machine. Unfortunately, those who withdrew more funds than they had in their account overdrew their account. Every transaction was recorded, and bank customers were contacted to pay back the overdrawn funds. 

However, an Australian bartender noticed a glitch that was not overdrawing his account. He withdrew and spent $1.6 million in 5 months. Dan Saunders noticed a delay in the early hours of the morning when the ATM machine went offline and disconnected from the bank. Transferring money between accounts during the offline hours, he could withdraw large sums of cash without the accounts appearing overdrawn. Saunders spent one year in prison and returned to work in the hospitality industry after 18-months on a community corrections order.

These stories prove that while moose may not be cracking ATMs open anytime soon, the real world of cash machines is never boring. From software hiccups to heist attempts, every incident underscores why vigilance, maintenance, and security tech are so essential for ATM operators and IADs.

The Importance of ATM Security Facts

It turns out, even in the age of digital security and advanced surveillance, the internet is still easier to fool than an ATM vault. No, a moose didn’t rob an ATM in Montana. But the buzz is a reminder that ATM security facts should always be top of mind.

Whether it’s a wildlife rumor or a real-world attack, your ATM’s best defense is a combination of strong hardware, vigilant monitoring, and informed operators. Because while viral videos may come and go, ATM security is no joke.

5 Ways to Improve ATM Safety

by

ATM safety is just as important as monitoring any other area where financial transactions are made or cash is kept. Where there is money, there will be thieves trying to get to it.

You don’t need to abandon your ATM business because of potential risks. It is no more vulnerable than any cash register anywhere. You simply need to remain aware of threats. Just like you know where your purse or wallet is at all times, or monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions, or keep your personal vault barricaded and locked, utilize this same diligence to improve ATM safety.

Make sure you take appropriate precautions and don’t cut any corners when it comes to securing your ATM machine. Follow these 5 ATM safety tips to ensure that your assets as well as your customers’ data remain secure.

Common Threats to ATM Safety

ATM safety threats apply to the ATM cash itself as well as to customer card information and account access. ATM attacks can be logical or physical. 

Physical Attacks

Physical attacks include equipment damages in an attempt to access the cash inside. Thieves can go as far as trying to remove or steal the entire machine from a location or even using explosives to breach the chassis, or front, of the machine.

Equipment attacks typically happen after hours when no one is around and pose little threat to customers. However, physical attacks can threaten customer safety in other ways. For example, customers can be robbed after making a withdrawal, or they can be forced to make withdrawals or give up financial information.

Physical attacks can also threaten customers through ATM tampering. Pinhole cameras, fake fronts, skimmers/shimmers, Lebanese loops, and counterfeit PIN pads are all ways thieves can gain access to customer bank cards and PINs and therefore access their accounts and funds.

Logical Attacks

Logical attacks, on the other hand, refer to software hacking. Some attackers attempt to infect ATMs with malware or hack into the ATM’s operating system to gain control over the machine and steal information or cash. This threatens customer data as well as the cash inside the ATM. Some hackers are content with collecting account numbers and PINs while others can cause the ATM to malfunction resulting in the emptying of the vault through seemingly legitimate transactions.

But don’t worry. Independent ATM breaches aren’t that common, especially if you take the right ATM safety precautions. First of all, the more fortified a machine is, the less likely someone is to try to breach it. The more time and effort a breach requires, the more risk that’s involved. Furthermore, experienced thieves know that independent ATM machines don’t hold enough cash to make the effort worth the risk.

5 Ways to Improve ATM Safety

Here are some ways you can improve ATM safety for both your business and your customers:

Utilize Surveillance

First and foremost is to have eyes on the machine at all times. Whether you place your machine in direct eyesight from the register or install security cameras or both, witnesses are sure to deter thieves. Your location may already have security cameras on the premises, or you can install your own fairly cheaply from retailers like Costco or Amazon (we recommend a two-camera system). If you have an outdoor machine, it might be in view of the cameras of neighboring businesses. 

Whatever the situation, it doesn’t hurt to put up a sign that alerts passersby that the machine is under video surveillance. This not only helps deter thieves, but it also makes customers more comfortable using your machine knowing that they are less likely to be approached. And if anything happens, it can be reassuring to know that there will be video evidence.

Some machines come equipped with a camera system as well. A standard feature of Genmega machines, for example, is the GenCam camera system. This allows customers (and criminals) to see themselves on screen. For criminals, this is a huge deterrent. They definitely don’t want their face captured and can see right away that it will be. For customers, they can better monitor their surroundings and protect themselves from “shoulder surfers”, attackers looking over their shoulder to observe their PIN as it’s entered.

Light ATM Area

Another simple way to improve ATM safety, deter crime, and increase customer comfortability is to make sure the ATM area is well-lit. The more attention your machine receives, the better. You don’t want users or thieves to feel obscured from the public eye. This can deter customers and embolden criminals.

You want the machine to be secured and barricaded, but not hidden. There is a fine line between securing and obscuring your machine. 

Secure Machine

To prevent some physical attacks, it’s important to make sure that your machine is secured. The harder it is to get to or move, the longer an attack will take, and the more risk that’s involved for thieves. Thieves looking for easy targets will likely move on if they see that your machine is properly secured.

This is why it is of the utmost importance that you bolt your machine to the ground. While some location owners might have some initial reservations about this, it only takes a couple of minutes to explain how important it is. Most machines don’t weigh too much more than a full-grown man, so if it isn’t bolted to the floor, it really won’t take much to jostle or remove the machine completely. 

Make sure that the machine is bolted to level ground so that no crowbars or other tools can be wedged between the machine and the floor. And after installing the machine, shove it on all sides to ensure that it doesn’t budge. Place the machine away from doors and windows if possible to prevent easy access to it after business hours.

You can further improve ATM safety by barricading the sides with other furniture that create even more obstacles to accessing the equipment. This is especially important in protecting your machine from logical attacks. You don’t want hackers to be able to access the mainboard and other internal electronics to manipulate the software or hardware. 

Inspect Machine

You want to regularly inspect your machine to identify any signs of tampering. When you vault and/or when cleaning your machine, run your hand over all surfaces feeling for any loose or bulky areas or anything that doesn’t feel normal. Fake fronts, Lebanese loops, and counterfeit PIN pads might not be recognizable to the untrained eye, but if you check your machine regularly, these modifications will become obvious. You might have to look a little harder to spot a pinhole camera, but if you know what you are looking for, it should only take a second each time you visit the machine.

Keep an Irregular Vaulting Schedule

Keeping an irregular vaulting schedule can improve your safety and the safety of your vault cash. You don’t want someone to be able to predict when you and your machine will be vulnerable. Try to vault outside of business hours to minimize the amount of foot traffic around you when vaulting. And invest in an eLock if your machine doesn’t already have one to minimize the time you spend at the machine when cash is vulnerable. 

Monitor Activity

Finally, be diligent with monitoring your ATM’s activity. Remote online monitoring makes this quick and easy. It’s something you can do from an app on your phone. Knowing what “normal” ATM activity looks like allows you to quickly recognize when something isn’t right. 

For example, if you notice an unusual increase in withdrawals or unusually high withdrawal amounts, this could be a sign that someone has hacked into the machine and caused it to malfunction. The sooner you identify the breach, the sooner you can address it and prevent further loss. 

Remote online monitoring can also alert you to any major shifts or blows to the ATM equipment. Getting this alert could be a sign of an attempted breach or removal of the machine. But you’ve got to know your machine(s) well to be able to identify any anomalies. However, you need to know this anyway to properly vault the machine, so just don’t take unusual activity lightly. If something seems off, check on it.

Conclusion

We didn’t write this article to make you nervous. We wrote it to help you think of threats you might not have considered before. Knowing possible vulnerabilities allows you to take the appropriate precautions and prevent disasters.

To identify possible weaknesses in your ATM security, put yourself in the shoes of criminals. Are there any areas that aren’t properly secured? Are there any “invitations” to breaching the machine? Then, put yourself in the shoes of your customers. Do you feel safe using the machine? Are there any witnesses? Is your financial information secure?

All it really takes to improve ATM safety is a little foresight and preparation. If you take your ATM safety seriously, you can consider yourself a challenging target and therefore less likely to experience theft or tampering.

7 ATM Installation Tips

by

ATM installation can be an overwhelming process for some independent ATM deployers (IADs). However, it should be the most exciting part of starting an ATM business! ATM installation means you’re just steps away from entering into business and making passive income. 

Although overwhelming, the process is quite simple, especially when you know ahead of time what to expect. Here, we provide 7 ATM installation tips so that you can rest assured knowing that you are checking all of the boxes. And don’t forget, you always have access to professional help should and when you need it.

1. Choose the Right Spot

The most important ATM installation task is choosing the right spot. To do so, there are many factors to consider. 

Convenient Yet Secure

You want to choose a spot that is easy for customers to get to but difficult for criminals to get to. So, this means a clear path in a high-traffic area away from doors and windows. Customers should be able to see the machine right away and be able to get to it easily. However, the machine should be protected from break-ins, enough so that it’s more risk than it’s worth to try to get to it for theft or vandalism.

High-traffic areas are great for increasing usage, but they are also simple security measures. The more eyes on the machine at any time the better. The machine should be in eyesight of cashiers or employees or at least within the view of security cameras.

For the same reasons, the ATM area should be well-lit. This helps customers see the machine and feel safe and comfortable using it which increases usage. But it also deters criminals.

Close to a Power Source

Your machine will also need to be powered. So you will need to install your ATM machine within a few feet of a power source. It is recommended that you use 110/115v 15a outlets that aren’t dedicated to other major appliances (freezers, refrigerators, etc.). It’s a good idea to use a surge protector, too, and maybe even an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) so that your machine remains operable during any outages.

Connect your machine to a dedicated standard phone line. If you try to connect the ATM to a fax line, a shared line or a PBX phone system you risk transaction issues like delays, non-dispensing, incomplete transactions, etc. Save yourself the headache and just install a separate phone line.

Adherence to ADA Guidelines

ATM placements have to be in compliance with the rules and regulations outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This gives people with disabilities equal access to public services.

All ATMs need to be accessible to people with disabilities, so certain accommodations are mandated. ATM manufacturers are aware of ADA guidelines, so new machines should already be equipped with Braille, earphone jacks, and compliant keypads. 

However, it is up to you—the ATM owner—and the location owner to make sure that the area around the machine is clear and wheelchair accessible. This is the responsibility of the property manager or merchant, regardless of the arrangement made with the ATM owner or other ATM provider. 

Include a clause in your site location agreement (SLA) to ensure the location understands that they can’t permanently block access to the ATM with inventory or other barriers. The minimum clear floor or ground space required for accommodating a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant is 30 x 48 inches (10 sq. ft.), so that is the space needed in front of the ATM to comply with the ADA wheelchair access guidelines.

Furthermore, an ATM’s reach, the height of the uppermost function key on the machine, should be no higher than 48” from the ground. This ensures that all customers can easily access all input controls. It’s especially important to keep this in mind when installing wall mount ATM machines.

2. Secure the Machine

Choosing a strategic location for ATM installation is important to maintaining its security. But there are additional measures you can take during installation to make sure the machine is protected, especially if the only space available at your location isn’t ideal.

Without blocking access to the front of the machine, limit physical access to the case. If the machine is against a wall and closed off on either side by other walls or furniture, this limits the areas of the machine vulnerable to tampering. 

This especially helps prevent logical attacks which involve accessing the mainboard and other internal electronics to breach the software or hardware. Blocking the back and sides of the machine makes it difficult for scammers to access points of ingress.

As far as preventing physical attacks, you want to make sure the machine is bolted to the floor. The ground should be level. First, so that you avoid warping, bending, or otherwise damaging the ATM cabinet. Second, so that someone can’t pry the machine up with a crowbar or other tools. Once bolted, try to budge it. The machine should not give, shift, or wobble.

If there are not security cameras at your location already, or at nearby locations if you place your machine outdoors, install your own. Security cameras and alarm systems help monitor the ATM’s surroundings both increasing customer comfortability and deterring crime. You can even advertise that your machine is under surveillance.

3. Opt for a Wireless Device

The machine has to be connected to a communications device such as an internet connection or a wireless communication device. We recommend investing in your own wireless device so that you aren’t at the mercy of the location’s internet service provider (ISP). 

If communication is interrupted, you’re out of business. Having your own communications device allows you to troubleshoot quicker and ensure that you always have a reliable connection. The alternative is waiting for the location owner to handle any reboots or dealing with their ISP which can be time-consuming and frustrating. It’s best to have this ready at the time of your ATM installation, just in case, but it can always be added later.

4. Load Enough Cash

You can’t start operating your ATM business without vault cash. Load your machine with about $2,000-$3,000 in cash at first. Then monitor the activity via remote online monitoring system to see if you need more or less to facilitate withdrawals in between vaulting. If you use your own money to vault the machine, you can use less than $2,000 if that’s all you have. This just means you might have to load cash more often. 

The most important part of loading cash is ensuring that your machine doesn’t run out. Cash vending is your business; so you’ve got to make sure your machine is equipped to provide this service. Try to load extra at first as a safeguard until you get a good idea of how much traffic your machine sees in a week.

5. Advertise

Once ATM installation is complete and you’re up and running, you will want to make sure that customers and passersby know. Add signage advertising ATM service. Work with the merchant or location owner to run promotions or offer coupons with ATM transactions. These are great ways to jumpstart your ATM business and start earning revenue.

6. Seek Professional Help and Training

It is more than possible for you to handle installation on your own. However, it might be a good idea to seek professional assistance for your first machine. This will help save you time and prevent avoidable mistakes. Then, once you’ve experienced the installation process once, you can do it easily and for free for all machines you install afterward.

Work with your ATM provider to see what kind of installation support they offer. They might have manuals or guides they can provide you with, or they might have a number of technicians already working for them and their clients. See if they offer phone support and when. If you want to handle the ATM installation yourself, you might want to make sure you do so during business hours in case you need to call with questions.

You can always hire a local third-party professional ATM technician to help you with the ATM installation. Costs will vary based on the distance a technician is from your location, but plan to budget around $350 for this service. It’s well-worth it to ensure that the ATM installation goes smoothly, and you can get training simultaneously.

Watch and learn. Ask questions. Take notes. A lot of technicians will also let you film part or all of the process. Then you can just refer back to it later.

7. Test the ATM Installation

Finally, test your machine once it’s installed. You want to identify any mistakes, error codes, or other problems before a customer does. All it takes is making a test transaction on your machine. 

You should actually do this every time you vault your machine. Dispensing the wrong bills can be a very costly mistake. Your machine might give a customer too much, and you won’t notice unless an honest person alerts someone to the issue. Or, you could short a customer and have to deal with complaints, chargebacks, and journal requests. This can have long-term consequences if customers lose trust in your machine and your service.

It takes seconds to make a test transaction, and you can often get ATM fee reimbursement from your bank. 

Ready for ATM Installation?

Hopefully this list of ATM installation tips helps you feel more comfortable with the process. If you follow these guidelines, you shouldn’t have any problems. Remember that professional help is always available. 

If you purchase an ATM from ATMDepot.com, we can arrange for the ATM to be professionally installed for you by a certified ATM technician. We recommend a professional installation for your first machine. We can also arrange training during the installation for no additional charge if you’d like to learn how to operate your ATM.

Questions or inquiries? Contact us today!

ATM Security Camera: Do You Need One?

by

An ATM security camera is a great way to protect your ATM, your customers, and your business. Not only does an ATM security camera deter crime, it also helps to catch criminals in the act.

There are many things you can do to improve the security of your ATM machine. But an ATM camera is one of the easiest things you can do. Unfortunately, it isn’t the cheapest thing you can do. 

Essentially, the choice to invest in an ATM security camera is up to you, the owner. Keep reading so that you can make an informed decision!

Benefits of an ATM Security Camera

Yes, cameras are popular security measures. But why? There are many ways video surveillance protects your ATM, your customers, and your business. 

Deter Crime

Obviously, the more security precautions you take, the better. Criminals do not want to spend more than a couple of minutes at an ATM machine, so after an obstacle or two, they are likely to just move on. And an ATM security camera is an obstacle.

To combat an ATM security camera, criminals would have to plan ahead and disguise or cloak themselves to avoid being identified. Or, they would have to remove or damage the camera. However, they would have to find the camera first, and that might take time. Even still, the camera could capture them in the act and, although destroyed, footage could be saved digitally.

This is not a hassle or risk most criminals want to face. Those “Smile, you’re on camera” surveillance signs you’ve probably seen in locations you frequent work. Don’t let someone break into your ATM machine because they didn’t know there would be visual proof. Let them know that the machine is under surveillance and prevent the crime and any associated damage altogether.

Catch Criminals

While surveillance camera systems reduce crime by 50% or more, crimes still happen. In these cases where the crime isn’t deterred, an ATM security camera can help catch the criminal. The camera can provide real-time response to give you a head start on alerting the authorities, and then you can provide them with identification from face detection and recognition from photo and video.

Prove Theft

An ATM security camera also provides access to photo and video of transactions. If you report theft to your insurance company, they might require proof. Providing them with that data helps you recover any losses. 

You might also have a customer who gets robbed at the ATM machine. He or she might call you to see if there is anything you can do. If you have the video footage, you could provide your customer with superior customer service. You might be able to help detect certain attacks as well and alert the authorities sooner than a bystander could.

And, unfortunately, you might need photo and video footage of transactions if you have a customer who files a false complaint. Having an ATM security camera can help you settle disputes and protect yourself against false claims.

Reassure Customers

Sure, an ATM security camera helps keep your ATM safe from damage and robbery, but it also protects your customers. Customers are more likely to use a machine that is under video surveillance than one that isn’t because they feel safer using it. 

This is another reason why it’s a good idea to advertise that your ATM machine is under surveillance. It could set you apart from competitors and bring in more business!

Where to Get an ATM Security Camera

You have a few options for security equipment. 

First, you can purchase machines that already have a camera built in. The Hyosung Force, for example, can be upgraded to include the Monivision Camera. The Monivision Camera takes a snapshot of customers as they enter their PINs and again as the cash dispenses. 

The Monivision Camera allows customers to see themselves on screen. This not only provides them with safety and comfort being able to see who is behind them, but criminals can also see themselves and know right away to move on!

Similarly, Genmega also offers a camera system. The GenCam camera system is actually included on all Genmega machines as a standard feature for no additional cost!

Now, you might already have ATM equipment that didn’t come with a camera system. You could upgrade your screen, or you could purchase your own third-party camera system from retailers like Costco or Amazon (we recommend a two-camera system). This means you might have to install it yourself. But how?

Where to Install an ATM Security Camera

An ATM security camera is really only as good as its placement. It isn’t going to work effectively if it isn’t aimed in the right direction. Therefore, installation is fairly straightforward. 

First, you will want the camera to have a clear view of a user’s hands and face. This will help you monitor transactions and settle disputes. You also want to try to capture as much of the surrounding area as possible. This can help deter or capture anyone lurking in the background. 

Finally, make sure the area is well-lit to improve the video quality. There is no sense in recording activity if the photo or video is dim, blurred, or obscure. This defeats the purpose of using surveillance for identification.

Do You Need an ATM Security Camera?

Camera systems and video surveillance are extra services and therefore come at an additional cost. If you are just starting out, this might be a feature you add on after you start generating revenue. However, it can also be a beneficial investment to protect your business and your customers. How much is your peace of mind worth?

You might even be fortunate enough to place your ATM machine in a location that already has video surveillance in place. Or, if you have an outdoor ATM machine, it might be in view of cameras of nearby locations. 

Of course, you will want to contact these locations to make sure the cameras are functional. They can be a crime deterrence regardless, but don’t count on them for evidence if they go out of service. You might feel better just having control of your own ATM security camera system so that you can make sure they are always functioning and get real-time data.

Each ATM business is different and each deployer has different needs and budgets. So consider the information in this article and make the decision that’s right for you!

Do ATMs Have GPS?

by

Do ATMs have GPS? Should yours?

Thieves go where the money is. Unfortunately, that puts a target on your ATM machines. However, there are many ways to mitigate your vulnerability and loss. As criminals get more creative and more bold, more precautions are taken and security measures implemented. So which are right for you?

No ATM business looks the same. Some independent ATM deployers (IADs) operate one machine, others have entire fleets. Some machines are busier and more profitable than others. And machines are in a variety of locations with a variety of potential threats.

So when deciding which security measures are right for you, there are a number of factors to consider. Location, placement, ATM type, and budget are a few. 

If you want to know do ATMs have GPS, the answer is yes. Do all ATMs? No. GPS tracking is an added feature that ATM operators can spring for just like any other security feature or add-on. 

In this article, we’ll explain what GPS tracking looks like and list some other security options you might want to consider. 

How Does GPS Tracking Work?

GPS tracking works just like you’d expect. The tracking device is mounted to the machine and location data allows the machine to be recovered in the event of a theft. However, there are a few other ways this can work:

In addition to informing ATM owners and law enforcement of a machine’s location, some GPS systems will also trigger a silent alarm if the machine is jostled or tilted. They can also send emails and other real-time notifications. This allows ATM owners to act quicker, retrieve their property sooner, and prevent further damage or theft.

Geofencing is another security feature that creates an electrical “fence” around a specified perimeter. Then, the owner is notified if an ATM machine breaches this electrical barrier without authorization.

Cassette trackers are also an option. Thieves might be able to break into an ATM machine and access the cash cassettes without removing the machine itself. Then, an ATM tracker would be useless, but the cassette tracker can help locate the criminals who take off with them.

Do I Need a GPS Tracker?

GPS tracking helps deter crime, recuperate property and cash, and apprehend offenders. The longer property goes unrecovered, the less likely it is to be discovered. That’s why it’s important to act fast. Knowing when a crime is taking place gives you a head start. 

Thieves who take off with entire ATM machines could be tracked and arrested before they are even able to break into the vault. This quick action could prevent you from losing hundreds of dollars of cash.

The benefits of GPS tracking are clear. But there are many other factors you should consider.

Cost

GPS tracking systems can be expensive. In many cases, ATM owners not only purchase the GPS tracking gadgets, but the companies that sell them also provide human support in the event of a theft, and that service costs money as well. 

For this reason, it’s more common for bank ATMs to have GPS trackers. They have more money to spend on security systems, and they can justify the cost a little easier than an IAD. 

Bank ATMs are bigger targets because the higher cash levels equal a bigger reward for thieves, and they are always stocked. Independently owned ATM machines have lower cash stores and are emptied at closing (or at least should be) to prevent after hours ATM robbery.

Location

If you are still wondering if you should invest in GPS tracking, consider the location of your ATMs. Are they in high-crime, large, metropolitan areas? These are the areas where ATM crimes are the highest. If your ATMs aren’t in a large city, you might not need such advanced security.

Placement

Are your ATM machines indoors or outdoors? Outdoor and other 24/7 ATM machines have a greater risk of theft because they are vulnerable during high-risk hours—between midnight and 4am. Indoor ATM machines also have other safeguards and obstacles like doors, walls, furniture, and alarms. 

Consider what security measures are already in place where your machine is located and in surrounding areas. GPS tracking only helps you during or after a crime. So your first line of defense is precautions to deter criminals and prevent crime.

Other Security Measures

There are many security measures you can take to protect your ATM machine and prevent the need for GPS tracking. You want to make sure you have eyes on your machine as often as possible. Make good decisions about who has access to the machine. And make it difficult for criminals to access; you don’t want your machine to be an easy target….

Strategic Placement

First of all, place your machine strategically. Try to place it away from doors and windows that could be points of ingress after hours. If that’s not possible, make sure it’s in view of security cameras at your location or of cameras nearby. 

Barriers and Obstacles

Create physical barriers and obstacles for criminals (while leaving a clear path for customers). Keep the front free for customers, but try to protect the sides with walls or other furniture. This will make the machine more difficult to get to, especially for hackers who might try to launch a logical attack via the electronics. We also recommend bolting your machine into the floor. 

Updated Software

Keeping your software updated also helps protect you from logical attacks. Outdated software is easier to hack and manipulate. If a criminal has to be with your machine for more than a couple of minutes, he or she will likely just move on.

Strategic Vaulting Procedures

Be strategic with your vaulting procedures, too. Keep an irregular schedule that makes robberies hard to predict and plan. Limit the number of people who have access to the machine (theft can come from within your business as well). And empty the vault after hours, like a cash register, and keep the door open to deter money-grabbers.

Pre Existing Security

The building where your machine is located might already have a number of security features in place, too. If the building itself is protected, your machine is less vulnerable. Consider security cameras, alarm systems, barred windows, etc.

Remote Online Monitoring

If you work with an ATM company like ATM Depot, you have access to remote online ATM monitoring. This allows you to have “eyes” on your machine at all times. Once you are familiar with what a regular day looks like for your ATM machine, you will be able to spot suspicious activity (too many withdrawals in proximity, too large of withdrawals).

You might even have a camera on your machine so that you can literally monitor your ATM activity remotely. Advertise that the machine is under surveillance (Smile! You’re on camera!) to deter criminals as well. 

ATM Insurance

And of course, for peace of mind, consider investing in ATM insurance. That way, in the worst case scenario, you are covered. 

Why Do ATMs Have GPS?

Some ATM machines now have GPS trackers installed. This allows the owner to alert authorities immediately in the event of a theft. And subsequently, it allows the authorities to recover the property and make an arrest. 

Therefore, ATM machines that have a higher chance of being stolen or broken into benefit from being able to locate the property and cash. In some cases, property may be recovered even before the criminals break into the vault. 

GPS tracking systems can protect your ATM machines. But so can bolts, cameras, alarms, and physical obstacles. Choose the security features that make sense for your business and fit your budget. Coordinate with the location owner to create strategies that protect the entire store. And most importantly, don’t be an easy target!