Cash got stuck in bank ATM during withdrawal? Do this ASAP

Nobody wants to lose money, however, sometimes you cannot save yourself from errors or fraud especially when it comes to withdrawing cash from ATM. This one is frustrating, but quite rare occasion where your money is trapped in the machine, and the amount has been debit from your bank account. Cash getting stuck in ATM, is among major malfunctions of the machine, which needs urgent attention if the scenario occurs.  There are two types of cards that can be used at an ATM namely, debit and credit cards. However, removing money using credit card at ATM is not in trend, but on daily basis many people do use their debit card at the machine. 

An ATM is a computerized machine that provides the customers of banks the facility of accessing their account for dispensing cash and to carry out other financial & non-financial transactions without the need to visit a bank branch.

Hence, if you come across an issue where your cash is stuck in ATM, there few major steps you should take in order to reimburse the amount lost. 

Firstly, make sure your debit card or credit card was accessed by you at the time of removing money at ATM. As per RBI rule, one should never share their card or PIN number with anyone either be spouse, children, family or friends. For instance, if you have allowed your card to be used by someone you know, and the cash trap error occurs this will eliminate the option of you claiming the lost amount. 

What happens is even if there is an error at an ATM, the bank will still look into the fact that the cardholder was not present while removing money. Here, the bank wins the case, and hence you can say goodbye to your debited amount. Hence, make sure you always carry your card with you.

Secondly, if the error came during the time you were trying the transaction, then immediately report the incident. Generally, in a best-case scenario the bank or ATM operator are aware of the issue and take the responsibility in fixing the issue. 

Make sure you do not leave the ATM immediately, because it can also be a medium for fraud. A scammer can hack the ATM, and when the amount is stuck and you leave the site, he or she can take hold of the money. 

Get details about the ATM as much as possible. For instance, record the exact time, date, location, take a screenshot of the successful transaction, secure the receipt of debited amount and also keep digital records of your bank statement. 

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If the loss is done while using credit card, make sure you call the card issuer immediately and make them aware. However, in case of debit card, you will have to knock the doors of your bank.

According to RBI, banks must provide customers with 24x7 access through multiple channels (at a minimum, via website, phone banking, SMS, e-mail, IVR, a dedicated toll-free helpline, reporting to home branch, etc.) for reporting unauthorised transactions that have taken place and/ or loss or theft of payment instrument such as card, etc.

If you file the complaint within 24 hours, the chances are you can recover your amount within three working days. 

What can be done next? 

Do not use the ATM where your cash was trapped again. To remain safe at best, is to use ATM which are located with your bank or bank branch. Also, make sure the ATM is manned by security guards for 24X7. This reduces the possibilities of skimming, as one will be deducted soon enough. Check, that your ATM is well equipped with proper ACs and camera system. 

Need of cash can be anytime and anywhere. However, in hurry do not make a mistake of using an ATM with poor service and at isolated places, dimly lit locations or streets. This increases the chances for fraud or error.

Also, do not use ATMs where the card reader is not in good condition. For instance, if they are tampered broken, scratched, damaged or sticky, then avoid it as the wiring must be loose.