When you are standing at an ATM do people look over your shoulder?

Question

I was standing at an ATM a few days ago, it was outside the bank as there was a long queue inside. I put my card into the machine and was typing my number in when this guy came up really close behind me and I had to turn around and ask him to step back. He thought I was being very rude to ask him to do that, even though he was the one looking over my shoulder, the cheek of some people. What do you do if this happens?

Answer 1

The nerve of some people, really he thought you were being rude while he crowded in the ATM line! Its just common courtesy not to stand that close to someone in the ATM line.  No you were not being rude! Oh I hate crowders, when standing in line and you move an inch and they are in your butt. I really hate it when they crowd me when I am dealing with money. I always tell people they need to stand back.  

Answer 2

I would have done the same thing!  Everyone knows about the 3ft personal space rule, and to invade that space while at an ATM is a horrible offense!  You never can be too careful.  

Answer 3

You weren't being rude. I would have done the same thing. People need to learn that privacy is important.

Answer 4

You did the right thing.  I stand at least 3-5 feet away from an ATM if I know someone else is using it.  I also make sure I look elsewhere and admire the scenery as to not make them nervous.  When you type in your ATM, be sure to get very close to the keypad and hold the hand you aren't typing with over the hand you are typing with.

Answer 5

People are incredibly clueless about personal space and boundaries.  ATM or not, arms length is a good rule unless you are particulary close to someone.  Good news is at least his face was on the security camera as you are handling your transaction.

Otherwise, I hate ATM's.  You're at your most vulnerable at those things as you are concentrating, you're dealing with cash, your wallet/purse/bank card is ripe for the taking, etc.  I try to do the drive up ones if I simply must use one.  

Answer 6

Zap him with a taser.

Answer 7

You definitely were not being rude. That's a very dangerous situation. It's never happened to me, luckily, but if it had I would have done the same thing. I always stand way far back.

Answer 8

no it's not rude.................plus it's often a way of someone rummaging  into your bag  or mugging you later  ..............  cheeky chap!!!

Answer 9

I would have accused him of being a thief and make sure to tell everyone in the line about what he was doing as I left. That would embarrass him.

Answer 10

You outright tell them to back up because they are too close. Once I was using an ATM that was inside of a small, enclosed booth. Some woman who was waiting to use it opened the door and was so close to me in doing so. I glared at her and she didn't get it until I abruptly told her to step out, close the door and wait for me to finish.

People should really have better common sense. It is rude and violating to be close to someone using the ATM or at the pharmacy.