The end of the year festive period is here already.

Unscrupulous people are currently very desperate to make a lot of uncanny money before the end of the year and that is why one must be very careful.

Recently there have been increased reports about people getting robbed at the ATM points or in a bus or even by pickpockets in a crowd. As Nigerians, one of the first advice you get on how to avoid becoming a victim of robbery is that you should pray. While such prayers may or may not be answered, there are practical steps that should be taken. Here are some of the steps below.

1. Always pay close attention to the ATM and your surroundings. Don’t select an ATM at the corner of a building — corners create a blind spot. Use an ATM located near the center of a building. Do your automated banking in a public, well-lighted location.

2. Maintain an awareness of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction. Be wary of people trying to help you with ATM transactions. Be aware of anyone sitting in a parked car nearby. When leaving an ATM make sure you are not being followed. If you are, drive immediately to a police or to a crowded.

3.Do not use an ATM that appears unusual looking or offers options with which you are not familiar or comfortable.

4. Do not allow people to look over your shoulder as you enter your PIN. Memorize your PIN; never write it on the back of your card. Do not re-enter your PIN if the ATM eats your card — contact a bank official.

5. Do not wear expensive jewelry or take other valuables to the ATM. They may mistake you for a rich patron.

6. Never count cash at the machine or in public. Wait until you are in your car or a secure place.

7. When using a drive-up ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the drive-up line.

8. Maintain a supply of deposit envelopes at home or in your car. Prepare all transaction paperwork prior to your arrival at the ATM. This will minimize the amount of time spent at the machine.

9. Closely monitor your bank statements, as well as your balances, and immediately report any problems to your bank.

10. If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY.

11. Don’t take commercial motorcycle to the bank or or asked the okada rider to wait for you infront of the bank..

12. Ladies , if you are to keep your money in the bag after withdrawing from the ATM machine , its good to hold your bag or firmly to avoid being robbed…

13. Don’t go to the Atm machine late at night, its dangerous or early in the morning like 4am especially for those that do go to work early in the morning.

14. In case you don’t know how to use the ATM , the security at the bank will put you true , don’t ask a stranger or someone you don,t know.

That’s for the ATM. below are for all other valuables

15 . Keep Your Hand On Your Valuables Always. While walking especially in crowded spaces, always keep your hand firmly in your pocket and on your handbag. Not too obviously though, to avoid drawing undue attention to yourself.

16. Avoid Crowded Bus Stops And Junctions. Try as much as possible to avoid crowded spaces. Bus stops are prime hunting grounds for pickpockets, so keep your eyes open around you in such places. Watch out for people pressing too close to you.

17. Stay Vigilant If You Must Rush To Board A Bus. Most thieves wait for such opportunities; they join the surging crowd and pick off valuables. So while it is recommended that you avoid joining the mad rush, if you must, ensure that you are vigilant and hold on tight to your valuables.

18. Do Not Embrace Strangers Or Allow Them Touch You. Unless you do really recognise a person and know them well, neither accept hugs nor close touch by anyone. Pretending to be a relative and picking the pockets of people during hugs and handshakes is one of the popular means pickpockets use.

19. Avoid Walking Between Parked Vehicles.The narrow spaces between parked vehicles might seem like a tempting alternative to the main road, either as a short cut or to quickly take a pee. But be warned, danger lurks in such places. Thieves use such spaces a ambush traps to surprise unsuspecting people with knives and guns, before dispossessing them of their valuables.