Beware of ATM cards fraud? Follow tips, avoid losing your money

In the wake of rising fraud complaints related to ATMs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently directed banks to upgrade their machines with updated versions in a phased manner by June 2019, and also asked them to take other security measures by August 2018. Still the public must beware of ATM cards fraud.
 
According to the RBI direction, banks will have to upgrade older operating system on their ATMs, besides implementing anti-skimming solutions by next March. Earlier in 2016, there was a security breach in the network, after which many customers lost money, and the breach was attributed to ATMs running older systems. 
 
The RBI’s circular stated, “The slow progress on the part of the banks in addressing these issues has been viewed seriously by the RBI. As you may appreciate, the vulnerability arising from the banks’ ATMs operating on unsupported version of operating system and non-implementation of other security measures, could potentially affect the interests of the banks’ customers adversely, apart from such occurrences, if any, impinging on the image of the bank.” 
 
The RBI has reportedly directed banks and White-Label ATM Operators to “implement security measures such as BIOS password, disabling USB ports, disabling auto-run facility, applying the latest patches of operating systems and other software, terminal security solution, time-based admin access, etc.,” in their ATMs before August 2018. Notably, under the directive as many as 2.06 lakh ATMs will be covered in the country.
 
The task before banks is mammoth, but customers cannot wait for exercise to complete, therefore, they need to take a few precautions to rescue them from ATM frauds. Here are a few points that ordinary citizens can take while using their ATM cards: 
 
1. While withdrawing cash from an ATM, you have to ensure that no one else is inside the booth. If a customer is inside, wait for them to finish up. If people are loitering, ask them to leave the booth.
 
2. Even if you are in a tearing hurry, you should take a minute to look for any hidden cameras above the machine before starting your transaction. Fraudsters put these cameras up to read your ATM pin, which they later use to clone your card. 
 
3. To check such frauds, a few banks have installed a ‘PIN shield’ which covers both sides of the number pad, where you punch your PIN. Reports, however, say fraudsters have even installed hidden cameras under the flaps, therefore take a few seconds to put your hand under the flaps to check for any hidden cameras. 
 
4. Sometimes you visit an ATM that is unfamiliar. This happens when you are in another city. The best way would be to use ATMs situated near your place of residence or office, or one attached to a bank branch.
 
5. Before your transaction, carefully check the card reader. If something seems amiss, tug at the card reader and see if a skimmer is attached to the card reader. 
 
6. You should also check the slot from where the cash comes out. If something seems amiss, avoid that ATM.
 
7. Sometimes, you give your card to someone in the family to withdraw some money for you. Banks always advise customers not to give card and PIN details to anyone, irrespective of relationship. 
 
8. Regularly check your bank balance, though banks are obligated to send an SMS detailing how much money is left in your account in case of a transaction. 
 
9. The first time ATM users should also avoid temptation to take assistance from someone standing behind you. Fraudsters can entrap you in the guise of helpful citizen, therefore, refrain from taking help from outsiders. 
 
Watch this Zee Business video

10. While withdrawing money, stand as close as possible to the ATM using your body to hide all the details you punch into the machine. 
 
These are a few precautions that can save you from losing your hard earned money.