A system for verifying a user operating an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) sends an authentication media item to a user device associated with the user when the ATM receives a transaction request. The system receives, from the ATM, a first image of the authentication media item when the authentication media item is presented to the ATM. The system compares the first image of the authentication media item with a second image of the authentication media item stored in a user profile associated with the user. The system extracts a first unique code from the first image of the authentication media item, and a second unique code from the second image of the authentication media item. The system determines whether the first unique code corresponds to the second unique code. The system approves the transaction request if it is determined that the first unique code corresponds to the second unique code.