There are several cases in which the dispensers may not offer money even though the operation has been carried out correctly
In a financial landscape where the popularity of electronic payments continues to rise but cash is still a preferred option for many citizens, there are always concerns about the operation of ATMs and the correct dispensing of banknotes. Experts and consumer organizations urge users to take precautions and to be aware of the procedures to follow in case of problems during their cash withdrawal operations.
According to recent studies, there are several circumstances in which a user might not receive the requested banknotes when carrying out a transaction at an ATM. These situations can vary, from technical problems to attempted fraud, and acting appropriately in each case is crucial to avoid financial losses.
Problems with ATMs
One of the possible scenarios is a simple lack of funds in the user’s account or a rejection of the operation for some reason, which is generally notified by a message on the ATM screen, thus avoiding the debit. Users are also reminded that if they take too long to withdraw the banknotes, the ATM will automatically reinsert them after a few seconds, cancelling the transaction free of charge.
However, there are more complex situations that require immediate attention. In the event of a technical failure of the ATM, where no error message appears but the banknotes are not dispensed, there is a risk that the account may be affected. In this scenario, it is essential to notify the bank of the incident as soon as possible, providing as many details as possible, such as the time, the amount requested and the location of the ATM. The ATM itself will usually facilitate contact with the bank’s own support department.
Communications with the bank in writing
“It is highly advisable to carry out all dealings with the bank in writing to keep a record of the communication,” advise consumer organizations such as the UFC. If you have requested proof of withdrawal, you should keep it carefully until the end of the complaint process. If you did not obtain it, it is essential to note the exact time of the incident and the amount you tried to withdraw.
Robberies at ATMs
In addition, security experts warn about the possibility of being the victim of a robbery while operating an ATM, almost always due to distraction, a tactic in which criminals work in groups to divert the user’s attention while one of them takes the dispensed banknotes. Staying alert and keeping an eye on the ATM throughout the operation is an essential preventive measure.
In the event of any problem with the dispensing of notes, it is advisable to follow these steps:
Precautions
- Do not leave the ATM immediately and check for error messages
- Contact the bank immediately to report the incident, preferably in writing
- Keep any withdrawal receipt or make a note of the time and amount of the transaction
- Check in the following days if the account has been debited
- If you do not get a satisfactory response from the bank, you can contact the customer service department or go to the ombudsman service offered by most banks
- As a last resort, if the situation is not resolved, the case can be reported to the consumer office or consumer associations
In a context where cash withdrawals are still common practice, it is crucial that users are informed about the possible risks and know how to act in any eventuality to protect their finances
