Something suspicious when cashing money at an ATM machine

mitnord · 11-06-2009, 03:03 PM

Hi,

I was about to withdraw money from an ATM machine, and suddenly there were two young Mid-Easterners right behind my back, I mean way to close looking over my shoulder. I had a strange feeling and I couldn't get it off, so I went on and closed my card online.

What do you think of this, or am I being paranoid?

What would you do in this situation, when somebody is standing too close to you, when you are cashing money?

karvala · 11-06-2009, 03:09 PM

I turn round and glare at them, and if that doesn't stop, I tell them to back off. Once they know they've been found out, they're usually quick to leave anyway. Happens sometimes; you just have to be vigilant, as you were. I once came across a situation where a guy was pretending to queue up, and actually making a small chalk mark on the coat of the person using the ATM, who would then get mugged by this guy's friends in the next street.

under_my_amberella · 11-06-2009, 03:09 PM

What are mid-Easterners?

Just the fact that you mention their ethnicity makes it seem as if this is more about racism than gut instinct.

dangletsbang · 11-06-2009, 03:16 PM

I knew someone would mention what the OP said regarding the race.

OP - I usually do as karvala does..turn around and glare at them..and if they're still persistant, I would ask them to please take a step back. You have to be cautious in this day and time. You're not being paranoid.

KG · 11-06-2009, 03:16 PM

You went with your gut....usually best!

mitnord · 11-06-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by under_my_amberella

What are mid-Easterners?

Just the fact that you mention their ethnicity makes it seem as if this is more about racism than gut instinct.

Mid-Easterners - there is a lot of mistrust going on towards them, as well as towards Eastern Europeans, speaking of my own country.

I know that may sound racist. Maybe it is. But this is the reality.

It is in my culture to respect other's privacy and personal space.

under_my_amberella · 11-06-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitnord

I know that may sound racist. Maybe it is. But this is the reality.

Yes, it is. It's hilarious to watch people clutch their purses when my husband comes near. He's the most honest and compassionate guy you'll ever meet. Last weekend we drove by a woman beating the crap out of another woman on the road. A cop car actually drove by and didn't stop. We turned around, my husband broke up the fight, spent 10 minutes consoling the hurt woman then gave her $5 and wished her the best.

I just don't know what "mid-easterners" are. I'm curious, please excuse my ignorance. What country would they be from?

mitnord · 11-06-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by under_my_amberella

Yes, it is. It's hilarious to watch people clutch their purses when my husband comes near. He's the most honest and compassionate guy you'll ever meet. Last weekend we drove by a woman beating the crap out of another woman on the road. A cop car actually drove by and didn't stop. We turned around, my husband broke up the fight, spent 10 minutes consoling the hurt woman then gave her $5 and wished her the best.

I just don't know what "mid-easterners" are. I'm curious, please excuse my ignorance. What country would they be from?

There is quite a bit of Arabic and Persian people over here.

I am sorry for hurting your feelings. Maybe wrong of me to judge them based on what we see on the news.

**greensleeves** · 11-06-2009, 03:41 PM

Moderators Note: Please don't turn into a debate about race, politics or ethnicity or thread will be closed. Topic is invading personal space at an ATM machine.

LightbulbSun · 11-06-2009, 03:50 PM

I get worried when it comes to expensive posessions and/or money. Just today, I was worried someone would steal my bus card (which was almost $100!)

It's always better to be safe than sorry. You never know what a person is like. I think most people are good, but there's always a rotten apple in the bunch. You should be careful and not give a bad person a chance.

11-06-2009, 03:03 PM	#1
mitnord Offline Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Denmark Gender: Female Posts: 35	Something suspicious when cashing money at an ATM machine Hi, I was about to withdraw money from an ATM machine, and suddenly there were two young Mid-Easterners right behind my back, I mean way to close looking over my shoulder. I had a strange feeling and I couldn't get it off, so I went on and closed my card online. What do you think of this, or am I being paranoid? What would you do in this situation, when somebody is standing too close to you, when you are cashing money?

11-06-2009, 03:09 PM	#2
karvala Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Gender: None Specified Posts: 2,331	I turn round and glare at them, and if that doesn't stop, I tell them to back off. Once they know they've been found out, they're usually quick to leave anyway. Happens sometimes; you just have to be vigilant, as you were. I once came across a situation where a guy was pretending to queue up, and actually making a small chalk mark on the coat of the person using the ATM, who would then get mugged by this guy's friends in the next street. __________________ May you live all the days of your life Trying to heal from after a breakup? Perhaps you need Enhanced No Contact: http://www.enotalone.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1438257

11-06-2009, 03:16 PM	#4
dangletsbang Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: reppin' - lonestar state. Gender: Female Age: 19 Posts: 1,170	I knew someone would mention what the OP said regarding the race. OP - I usually do as karvala does..turn around and glare at them..and if they're still persistant, I would ask them to please take a step back. You have to be cautious in this day and time. You're not being paranoid. __________________ around this turn..where the cross will cast your shadow.. the people will all gather to remember such a day; where the flames grew as high as trees.. and the world stopped for you and me.

11-06-2009, 03:16 PM	#5
KG Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 2 miles east of Hicksville Gender: Male Posts: 4,905	You went with your gut....usually best! __________________ Life is just a word until you go through it. I've got the scars to prove it.

11-06-2009, 03:41 PM	#9
greensleeves Offline Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2007 Gender: Female Posts: 2,942	Moderators Note: Please don't turn into a debate about race, politics or ethnicity or thread will be closed. Topic is invading personal space at an ATM machine. __________________ Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them. Dalai Lama

11-06-2009, 03:09 PM	#3
under_my_amberella Offline Platinum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Gender: Female Age: 28 Posts: 5,036	What are mid-Easterners? Just the fact that you mention their ethnicity makes it seem as if this is more about racism than gut instinct.

11-06-2009, 03:50 PM	#10
LightbulbSun Online Gold Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA Gender: Male Age: 27 Posts: 1,053	I get worried when it comes to expensive posessions and/or money. Just today, I was worried someone would steal my bus card (which was almost $100!) It's always better to be safe than sorry. You never know what a person is like. I think most people are good, but there's always a rotten apple in the bunch. You should be careful and not give a bad person a chance. __________________ "Reality is the mirror of your thoughts. Choose well what you put in front of the mirror." - Unknown "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - Albus Dumbledore