us 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 card reader • crowded payment terminal at checkout • feels unsafe at atm line • suspicious person near atm • being pressured at atm • someone hovering behind me • pin privacy at card terminal • atm kiosk stranger inside • close behind at self checkout • worried my pin was seen • distraction while paying • card skimming and pin theft worry • someone talks to me while i pay • uneasy using debit pin pad

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. Create space (or switch locations) before you enter your PIN or complete the payment.

Do not do these things

Don’t keep entering your PIN if someone is close enough to see it.
Don’t accept “help” from a stranger or let anyone touch the keypad/card reader.
Don’t argue or stay to prove a point if you feel unsafe.
Don’t count cash or reorganize your wallet/purse at the ATM.
Don’t follow someone to a second location if they suggest “another ATM” or “a better spot.”
Don’t accept help if the ATM behaves oddly (including if it keeps your card).

What to do now

End the transaction right away. Hit Cancel and take your card/cash (if it has already come out). At a payment terminal, ask the cashier to cancel/void the attempt or pause while you step back.
Step out of the “PIN viewing” zone. Move aside and either:
- Ask for space: “I need a little room, please.”
- Or say nothing and simply leave the machine/terminal.
Move to a safer setup before trying again. Prefer:
- An ATM inside a bank branch or in a well-lit, staffed area.
- A different register/terminal where you aren’t boxed in.
- A staffed checkout instead of a self-checkout lane if the area feels off.
If you must continue soon, block your PIN. Stand close to the machine and cover the keypad with your hand/body while entering your PIN. If you can’t create space, cancel and switch location instead of forcing it.
If the ATM keeps your card or seems suspicious: don’t accept help. Move to a safer, staffed place if you can, then contact the bank/card issuer immediately using the number on the back of your card or your official banking app.
If the person won’t back off or you feel threatened, leave and get help. Go to store staff/security or a place with more people. If you believe you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
If you think your PIN may have been observed or you were distracted mid-transaction: once you’re safe, lock/freeze your card in your banking app (if available) or call your bank using the number on the back of your card. Consider changing your PIN and reviewing recent transactions.

What can wait

You don’t have to finish the withdrawal or purchase right now.
You don’t have to decide whether it was “definitely” suspicious.
You don’t have to confront the person or make a report unless you feel unsafe or an actual theft/fraud occurred.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel awkward stepping away—but scammers rely on that pressure. Canceling and moving is a calm, practical choice that protects you with minimal downside.

Scope note

This is first steps only to help you get safe and protect your PIN/card. If you later notice fraud, your bank can guide the next steps.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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