The Royal Barbados Police Force is asking members of the public to be vigilant when using ATMs.
Not only should you consider your physical safety when approaching, attending or leaving ATMs, but we caution you to pay special attention to the transactions which you are preforming and to be observant of the receipts and account balances, police said in a statement.
“If any unusual activity is noticed or suspected or you have used any ATMs recently and you suspect any unusual activity with your account, it is very important you contact your banking institution,” it continues.
Yup i always make sure my balance is correct first
Some ATM’s do not always issue a receipt.
There are some machines located in well lit areas, however, persons can lurk in the relatively darker background observing your every action.
Sadé Alleyne
Saw a lady in a gas station on the south coast using a machine to withdraw a good we t cash in the sight of everyone
It is important to check that there’s nothing attached to the machine which will enable criminals to copy your Bank Card details; then make cloned cards and steal your money. This is a criminal action carried out by East European criminals. I read that two of these were recently arrested in Barbados.
I think banks should give us a choice of ATM card or bank book . Getting rid of the bank book system is what contribute to all this fraud in banking. Because no one cant hack a Bank book or use it if it was lost.
That applies to anywhere in the world
Unfortunately, the stark reality is that Police are so far behind the curve as it applies to theft in a Cyber world, that this advice is basically useless to all but the most oblivious members of our society.
When last did you check the ATM for a “skimmer” that may have been installed on it before you use it?
Reality is that we in Barbados believe that we don’t have these sorts of events and actions taking place here and its the furtherest thing from the truth.
Anyway, I guess we have to accept that if we dont make Cyber-Security a priority, we cant expect them to either!
Marlene McCollin
I fully understand that it is in the interest of people to be vigilant when they go to the ATMs, but it is also incumbent on the Banks to put controlling measures in place to mitigate any risks the would put its customers at a disadvantage.
We can’t expect government, and in this case law enforcement, to do all of the heavy lifting because the businesses also have a responsibility that is inherent in best practices.
Bajans go too easy on these businesses.
you’re right about that one J.H it’s a worldwide thing i can tell you something’s they do @ the north pole . even online banking isn’t safe .i my self was rip off of $5.000 from my bank A.C someone pretend to be me and took it from the ATM . also using your card @ the gas station especially if the gas attendant take the card from you .
My rule of thumb is a) use a bank machine at a branch of my banks or an ATM supplied by them in major centers, b) if someone is close behind me I ask them to move back or will leave, c)Banks usually check for cameras and skimmers on the ATMs each day but always look for them d) cover the pin pad with your hand or hat when putting the numbers in. You can do it with practise and remember they are set up for braille so you will learn what 4 digits are.