With many complaints over poor security at ATMs of various banks in Srikakulam district, many cases of cheating during the transactions reported, the Police Department
is on tenterhooks.
It is observed that customers, espcially the elders who take help from strangers at ATMs to ensure smooth transaction, are increasingly falling prey to cheating. As many as 19 cheating cases were reported recently in the district.
The offenders are easily deceiving the customers by changing the ATM cards. The miscreants who know the PIN number are withdrawing the money later.
The police have failed to take lead in many of such cases as many of the ATMs do not have CCTV cameras or many of the available cameras are not in working condition.
State Bank of India-Srikakulam Regional office and the police departments are frequently conducting awareness camps to educate customers on the precautions to be taken while doing transctions at ATMs.
SBI Regional Manager D. Raja Rama Mohana Rao suggested that customers should change their PIN numbers frequently. “Customers should not reveal their bank account and ATM details to anyone. Call centres of banks never seek such details. The customers should not respond to such phone calls,” he said.
Srikakulam DSP K. Bhargava Naidu and Central Crime Station DSP K. Venugopala Naidu suggested people not to withdraw huge amounts from ATMs. “For huge transactions, online transfer is always safe. The customers can seek police assistance in case they have to carry huge cash from ATMs,” Mr. Bhargava Naidu said.
As many as 19 cheating cases reported in the district recently
Lack of CCTVs at ATMs major obstacle for police investigations
