Is it just me or does it really annoying you when you are using a cash machine and someone stands uncomfortably close right behind you waiting to use the machine, close enough to see your details?

It proper riles me, find it totally distracting and intimidating:rant:

I think all cash machines should have a marked area around the machine which should only be entered by one person or partners at a time, it should be unacceptable and illegal to enter the marked area, which could simply be just a yellow square on the pavement below the machine.

I agree - it's a little unnerving to say the least.

The Barclays cash machine on West Street is pretty bad - there is usually a bloke begging right next to it.

I think something needs to be done about the chip and pin machines too - in most shops people behind you in the queue can see you entering your pin number as the machines are fixed to a stand.

With Chip and Pin, I usually stand so close to the machine that anyone beside or behind me would have to look THROUGH me to see my pin.

What I have noticed though, is that checkout operators don't check the card before putting it into the machine. I could easily hand over a Mrs Smith card when I am in fact a Mr Jones.

At least with signatures, they check the card and sig.

It gets on my wick too. I normally find a "D'you mind?" and a look like I expect them to move does the trick 9 times out of 10.

I have to bend down to use the majority of cash machines ...... the old Barclays ones on Fargate used to wind me up a treat - used to have to contort mysely into crazy positions just to use them. Still, no-one can see my details as I cover most of the view.

Abdul's security tips:

If you're in a queue for the ATM, then prevent the situation from getting out of hand by leaving a large space between you and the person using the cash machine; the people behind you will usually do the same when it's your turn.

Also, have a quick look around to make sure no one is snooping before you insert your card - that'll be enough to put them off.

And yes, when you insert your PIN, cover the pad with your other hand so no one can see.

Easy :thumbsup:

Originally posted by skyfitsboy
Is it just me or does it really annoying you when you are using a cash machine and someone stands uncomfortably close right behind you waiting to use the machine, close enough to see your details?

It proper riles me, find it totally distracting and intimidating:rant:

I think all cash machines should have a marked area around the machine which should only be entered by one person or partners at a time, it should be unacceptable and illegal to enter the marked area, which could simply be just a yellow square on the pavement below the machine.

does it really need legislation, just ask people to move back slightly if you feel uncomfortable.

Far more worrying than chip and pin are pay at the pump petrol stations. No one looks at your card, you don't sign and you don't use a pin. Totally insecure.

Originally posted by Cyclone
Far more worrying than chip and pin are pay at the pump petrol stations. No one looks at your card, you don't sign and you don't use a pin. Totally insecure.

What petrol stations are they? The BP station I frequent needs a signature or PIN number, depending on which card I use.

Originally posted by Abdul
What petrol stations are they? The BP station I frequent needs a signature or PIN number, depending on which card I use.

a tescos in london, on monday just past.

Originally posted by Cyclone
a tescos in london, on monday just past.

Cyclone is right - most "Pay at Pump" services do not require a signature or PIN. I suppose it could be that most cars hold only £40-£50 worth of petrol and an unauthorised transaction would result in a relatively small loss of funds.

I like to stand as close as possible how else can I smell there hair :heyhey:

Originally posted by JonJParr
I suppose it could be that most cars hold only £40-£50 worth of petrol and an unauthorised transaction would result in a relatively small loss of funds.

And they have you and your vehicle on CCTV :heyhey:

Originally posted by JonJParr
Cyclone is right - most "Pay at Pump" services do not require a signature or PIN. I suppose it could be that most cars hold only £40-£50 worth of petrol and an unauthorised transaction would result in a relatively small loss of funds.

whereas I have to put my pin in to buy a 6.99 book from Borders.

It's not that common to be spending >£50 on switch is it?

Originally posted by Abdul
And they have you and your vehicle on CCTV :heyhey:

true, and much the same as in most shops. If you need a pin when you are face to face with someone, why not when filling your car?

Originally posted by Cyclone
true, and much the same as in most shops. If you need a pin when you are face to face with someone, why not when filling your car?

I'm sure the technology is on its way - in 12 months or so they will probably have Chip & Pin facilities on the pumps.

ps: Has anyone else noticed how long it has taken Waitrose to get chip and pin installed? Tut tut!

Tesco on Abbeydale Rd use the pay@pump system. They work by doing a "test" transaction initially to check the card is valid before doing the proper transaction.

Just pass wind, they'll soon back off. Or else turn round and fake a coughing fit.

You can pull those chip and pin machines out of their stand by the way, so if anyone hangs around behind you when using one of those just pull it out and move off somewhere else.

At Tesco' s in Woodseats, they have self serve counters where you only have to swipe your card (no pin, no checks). My boyfriend has used my credit card to buy our shopping from there before.

Originally posted by Cyclone
does it really need legislation, just ask people to move back slightly if you feel uncomfortable.



You shouldn't have to ask them to move back though, it should be common sense.