It’s time to lift our heads out of the proverbial sandbox and acknowledge that the US economy has begun to slow down, as some may argue, considerably.
One thing is certain, more and more Americans are struggling to find good-paying jobs, while others are struggling to make ends meet. Yet Americans are overwhelmingly resilient, repeatedly demonstrating the ability to bounce back from tough times, emerging stronger than before.
The unfortunate side of the situation we face as a nation is the period of uncertainty. How long will it be before our economy shakes off its sluggish performance and recovers so that people can return to honest work and a sense of normalcy?
Seeing times like these with the perspective of personal safety, it’s understandable why vigilance is paramount. An unfortunate reality to consider is the inclination of social predators to sink further, becoming more bold and brazen in their criminal behavior. It is often stated that “desperate times call for desperate measures. This practice applies to both sides of the social spectrum. As the criminal element in our society begins to feel the effects of an economic downturn and will, we must anticipate their movement to seek targets of opportunity and avoid becoming a victim.
Fast sources of cash are the most sought after. We should always assume that ATMs are under surveillance by individuals or even criminally minded groups, hoping to collect while you withdraw cash. For this reason, it is discouraged to use these banking instruments during darkness. Some other points to consider about ATMs:
– Machines must provide excellent light and must be free of any nearby objects that obscure anyone nearby, and obstacles must not impede your ability to monitor your surroundings when withdrawing cash. If something doesn’t look or feel right, go ahead and find another location.
– Complete your transaction quickly and don’t count your cash at the machine. Retrieve your cash, card and receipt if requested and move to a secure area. In general, machines located inside businesses, such as shopping malls or supermarkets, are the most secure. This is because there are usually more people present. The old adage of security in numbers applies. The least safe are those found at gas stations or quick stops on the highway. These ATMs should be avoided as much as possible
– ATMs that allow you to get on and stay in the vehicle have advantages and disadvantages. As an advantage, they allow you to remain safe in your vehicle during the transaction. Get as close as possible to the machine. Ideally, this allows you to reach the keyboard without leaning too far out of the window. The downside is with visibility, which is obscured. There are numerous blind spots around your vehicle that could obscure someone’s approach. For this reason, all doors must remain locked and be sure to keep the engine running. While the computer reviews your account request, stay alert and check the immediate area for anyone approaching you. Other people in the vehicle with you can help with the observation. Remember, if you feel threatened, get out immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.