Today’s Sound Off tells a tale of caution when withdrawing money from an ATM:

Dear Heloise: Last month, my husband was robbed at an ATM machine. There were four young men, and all they got was $200. Since my husband cooperated when they demanded cash, they didn’t harm him. We called the police and our bank to let them know, and our bank gave us a list of dos and don’ts while taking cash out from an ATM. I thought it might be a good idea to pass these long:

— Before you begin any transaction at an ATM, look around you. Is there anyone close by who looks suspicious, or do you get a feeling that you’re not safe? If so, go somewhere else or use another ATM in a safer environment.

— If you are transacting business at night, only do so in a well-lit area. If it’s a drive-through ATM, keep your headlights on so that you can see the area.

— Always check your ATM receipts against your monthly account statements. Make sure that they match up.

— If your card is lost or stolen, or if your PIN number has been compromised, call your bank immediately.

— Never give information to anyone over the phone about your PIN number or bank balance. And don’t write your PIN on your card.

— Freeze your account if your card is lost or stolen. You can unfreeze your account later on or, better still, ask for a new card with a different number. — Laura S., Rosemount, Minnesota

SKIN CLEANSERS

Dear Heloise: My skin is dry, but I can’t stand to leave my makeup on once I get home from work. A dermatologist told me to use soap and water to wash off my makeup, but it just makes my skin drier! I hate those oily cleansers and never feel as though my skin is actually clean, even after I use a toner to get the oil off. Any hints to help me? — Carrie D., Provo, Utah

Carrie, your skin tells the world about the state of your health. Here is what I’ve done to my own dry skin for years, as directed by my doctor:

Water is one of your best friends, so when you wake up in the morning, drink a glass of clean, clear water. (Coffee and tea do not count.) Next, splash your skin with tepid water. Don’t use hot water or soap if your skin is dry. Lightly pat your skin dry and use a moisturizer afterward. Only use soap if you need to remove your makeup or your skin has gotten very dirty.

If your skin is oily, you can use warmer water, and you can also use a mild soap, followed by a light moisturizer. Of course, it goes without saying that no one should ever sleep in their makeup. — Heloise

MAKEUP MISTAKES

Dear Heloise: What is the biggest mistake you see when women apply their makeup for the day? — Ashley L., Juneau, Alaska

Ashley, there are three usual makeup mishaps: Too many women don’t blend their makeup enough, use the wrong color or shade of makeup, or apply their makeup too heavily. — Heloise

CREDIT CARD INTEREST CHARGES

Dear Heloise: I always scrutinize my credit card statements because I use it for my business as well. I pay it off every month, so I was surprised to see a charge for $54.75 in interest when I not only paid off the card, but added an extra $1,000.

I called Visa, and indeed, it was a mistake! How can credit card companies make mistakes like that? Be sure to check your statements, not just for unauthorized charges, but for ones from the company itself. — Shirley Conley, Gardena, California

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.