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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone too close behind me at atm • person standing close at cash machine • shoulder surfing at atm • someone watching me enter my pin • stranger crowding payment terminal • crowded card machine at checkout • feels unsafe at atm queue • suspicious person near cashpoint • being pressured at atm • someone hovering behind me in line • card pin privacy at terminal • cash machine personal safety • atm kiosk with stranger inside • close behind at self checkout • worried my pin was seen • uneasy using contactless terminal • someone tries to talk while i pay • cashpoint distraction attempt

What to do if…
you are at an ATM or payment terminal and someone is standing unusually close behind you

Short answer

Stop the transaction and step away to a safer position (near staff, CCTV, or other people). You can try again somewhere else once you have space and privacy.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t continue entering your PIN while someone is close enough to see it.
  • Don’t let anyone “help”, coach you through steps, or touch the machine/terminal.
  • Don’t argue or try to “teach them a lesson” if your gut says it’s unsafe.
  • Don’t count cash or organise your wallet/purse at the machine.
  • Don’t follow anyone to another spot (including “a better ATM”) if they suggest it.
  • Don’t accept help if the machine behaves oddly (including if it keeps your card).

What to do now

  1. End the interaction immediately. Press Cancel, take your card/cash (if already dispensed), and put your card away. If you’re at a payment terminal, ask the cashier to cancel the payment or pause while you step back.
  2. Create distance. Move away from the keypad and out of arm’s reach. If you want to speak, keep it short: “Could you give me a bit of space, please?” If they don’t, leave the machine/terminal.
  3. Switch to a safer setup before trying again. If available, use:
    • An ATM inside a bank branch or another staffed, well-lit location.
    • A different payment terminal where you’re not boxed in (not in a corner/kiosk), or pay at a staffed till instead of self-checkout.
  4. If you must complete the transaction soon, protect your PIN. Stand close to the machine and shield the keypad with your hand and body so it can’t be observed. If you can’t get space, cancel and switch location instead of forcing it.
  5. If the machine looks tampered with or keeps your card: don’t accept help. If it feels safe, move to the nearest staffed place (for example, inside the bank branch or to shop security) and contact your card issuer immediately. If you feel unsafe staying there, leave and call your bank once you’re somewhere safe.
  6. If you feel threatened or they won’t back off, prioritise leaving over finishing. Go to staff/security (if you’re in a shop) or a well-lit area with other people. If you believe you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
  7. If you think your PIN may have been seen or you were distracted mid-transaction: once you’re somewhere safe, lock/freeze your card using your banking app if you can, or call your bank using the number on the back of your card (or in your official banking app). Consider changing your PIN and checking recent transactions.

What can wait

  • You do not need to finish the withdrawal or payment right now.
  • You do not need to decide whether it was “definitely” suspicious.
  • You do not need to confront the person or report it on the spot unless you feel unsafe or a crime has occurred.

Important reassurance

Freezing, cancelling, and walking away is a normal response. Many thefts and scams rely on you feeling awkward or rushed—creating distance is a sensible, low-regret move.

Scope note

This is first steps only to help you get safe, protect your PIN/card, and reduce immediate risk. If money has gone missing, your bank and (if needed) the police can guide next steps.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

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