K. Jayadevan, a resident of Vazhuthacaud, who lost Rs.1.24 lakh in the ATM fraud, has something to cheer on Wednesday.
With the State Bank of Travancore (SBT) on Wednesday crediting the amounts reported to be lost, Mr. Jayadevan has been reimbursed Rs.34,000 that was stolen from his account with the SBT. Official sources said that the SBT had fully compensated all the complainants, 15 in all, who had reported loss of money.
Cards blockedBesides enhancing physical surveillance in all of its ATMs across the State, the bank has blocked the ATM cards of customers who had transacted at the State Bank of India (SBI) ATM at Althara.
These customers have been informed that new ATM cards will be issued within 10 days.
However, Mr. Jayadevan is yet to hear from two private banks, for the loss of money from his accounts with them.
Finding fault with victims“Notwithstanding the plight of the victims of the fraud, the bank authorities have stuck to their stance that the fault was with the affected customers. I hope the banks adopt a positive stance in the issue and compensate us for our loss. We will be left with no option but to approach the Banking Ombudsman if they failed to act on our complaints,” he said.
While the State Bank of India (SBI) has “initiated steps for redressal of the complaints,” the affected customers are yet to be credited with the amounts lost.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the bank stated that steps had been adopted to ensure that no extraneous devices were installed in the ATM cabins of the bank.
Banking ombudsmanThe office of the banking ombudsman was yet to receive any complaints in connection with the case. As per the banking ombudsman scheme, the first line of redressal for the affected customers is to register their complaints at the respective banks, which could have varying periods for resolution of grievances.
Customers, who are unsatisfied by the steps adopted by the banks, will be able to seek the intervention of the banking ombudsman.
