Story:
Important message from RBI:
Always press ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting the card in ATM machine. If anyone has set up the key pad to steal your PIN code, this will cancel that set up. Please make it a habit and part of every transaction that you make. Please share with those about whom you care.
Other Versions
Message from a Banker – A very useful tip while withdrawing funds from an ATM. Press ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting the card. If anyone has set-up the keypad to steal your PIN code, this will cancel that set-up.
Please make it a habit and part of every transaction that you make. Please share with family and friends whom you care.
Fact Check:
Various messages in circulation on social media platforms claim Reserve Bank of India, RBI or a Banker suggested users to always press ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting the card in ATM machine. This way, they claim, one can cancel the keypad fraud set up to steal your PIN number. No, the claims are not true – pressing cancel button twice does not stop such ATM fraud using fake keypads. Pressing cancel button may only prevent certain type of ATM fraud.
About the Pressing of Cancel Button on ATM Machine
There are different types of ATM fraud involving scammers employing various tricks to steal your card and PIN data and money thereafter. Your ATM card stores PIN data and may be skimmed in such cases. While fraudsters place false keypad (fake digital pads) on the ATM machine, they attach an information reading device to card reader slot. Small, hidden cameras like Pinhole video cameras are also used to find out PIN numbers.
As a safety precaution, before inserting card, one may clear the previous transaction data by pressing the cancel button on the ATM machine. It may prevent certain type of ATM fraud. Banks suggest users to press the cancel button after completing their transaction. However, in usual cases of fraud mentioned above using fake keypads, pressing the cancel button twice before inserting your card will only cancel the previous data on the ATM machine – it does not stop the fraud attempt thereafter.
On the other hand, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not play a role in how ATMs function. It did not issue any such warning or safety precaution. Moreover, some bank associations around world have denied the claims in the popular, misleading message. The false message is in fact doing rounds globally in various versions since at least 2018. So, it is not necessary to press ‘cancel’ button twice to protect yourself from fraud before operating ATM machine.
Safety Precautions
Although the claim in question is not a fact, it is wise to follow suggestions from your banks and stay safe while operating ATM machines.
- Protect both your card and PIN numbers securely, while using them in ATM or otherwise.
- Memorize your PIN number and do not write it anywhere.
- Check if the keypad is genuine and be aware if your entry tap of the buttons feels like you are pressing two buttons.
- Shield your ATM keypad while typing your PIN number.
- Hit the ‘Cancel’ button after your transaction.
On the other hand, ATMs inside a bank are more secured instead of a standalone machine outside. Using the same ATM every time will help you get familiar with the machine and you will be able to recognize any changes to it.
Hoax or Fact:
Hoax with some valid information.
References:
What should you look out for at an ATM and how can you tell if one has been tampered with?
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