Take precautions when using ATMs

TROY, N.C. - Nearly everyone depends on ATMs to withdraw cash, deposit money and manage their accounts. First Bank is dedicated to keeping its customers safe at its ATM locations and constantly works to increase security and educate customers about ATM safety.

“We believe that even one incident of ATM crime is too many,” said First Bank President and CEO Jerry Ocheltree. “Customer safety is our top priority when it comes to ATM use.”

First Bank works closely with the local police department to prevent criminal activity around local ATMs. The bank has also taken preventative measures to enhance consumer safety including installation of surveillance cameras, increased lighting and withdrawal limits.

First Bank takes a number of precautions to ensure that its customers have a safe environment, but there is no substitute for good, cautious behavior on the part of the customer.

First Bank recommends that customers follow these safety tips when using any ATM:

Keep your PIN a secret. Never write it down or share it with anyone — not even family members.
Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Make sure the ATM is free of sight obstructions. If you observe suspicious persons or circumstances, do not use the machine.
Bring someone with you when using an ATM at night. If you can’t, use an ATM that is located in a public area like a convenience or grocery store.
Have your ATM card ready and in your hand as you approach the ATM.
Use your body to “shield” the ATM keyboard as you enter your PIN.
Always take your receipts or transaction records with you.
Do not count or visually display any money you received from the ATM. Immediately put your money into your pocket or purse and count it later.
If you are using a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and all doors are locked. If you leave your car and walk to the ATM, lock your car.

First Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Troy, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $3.3 billion. Its principal activity is the ownership and operation of First Bank, a state-chartered community bank that operates a total of 97 branches, with 82 branches operating in North Carolina, nine branches in South Carolina, and six branches plus one loan production office in Virginia, where First Bank does business as First Bank of Virginia. First Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FBNC.”