Never ask for a receipt at an ATM after withdrawing money: this is the powerful reason

While it's true that cash is being used less and less, there are still many establishments and people who prefer to hold bills in their hands, either because they are more comfortable handling them, are new to technology, or their businesses require this format.

That's why ATMs remain a necessity everywhere—in fact, more so today than ever before. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to pay for something with cash, these are the only ones that can save you.

However , we can't forget that we're withdrawing money, and that money attracts bad actors. Therefore, it's important to be careful when using an ATM and follow a series of recommendations. Among them is never to ask for a receipt after withdrawing money.

If you've ever used an ATM, when you're finalizing a transaction, it will ask you if you want a receipt . While banks offer this option, they now point out that we should never ask for it because this simple piece of paper can become a threat to the security of your bank account.

The receipt includes information that could be very valuable if it falls into the wrong hands, such as your available balance or even bank account information. BBVA Bank suggests avoiding printing receipts and opting to check your balance directly on the screen or through the mobile app.

If you want to print it, it should be carefully stored, and when you want to throw it away, you must first destroy it because otherwise it could be recovered and used for some type of fraud.

There have been reports of scammers using these receipts to convince customers they work at the bank and obtain additional information about their accounts. That's why it's important to remember never to share sensitive information with anyone (even if they claim to be trustworthy).

• Make sure it hasn't been tampered with: Before inserting your card, you should make sure it hasn't been tampered with or altered in any way.
• Cover the keypad: Use your free hand to cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
• Avoid help from strangers: Don't accept help from people who offer to help you with the transaction, even if they seem friendly or claim to be bank employees.
• If the card is "swallowed", report it immediately: If the ATM keeps the card and does not return it after making a transaction, follow your common sense and immediately alert the bank of what happened.