Just thought, I would bring to the attention of all regarding the nonchalant attitude of banks towards the security measures that is being deployed at ATM centers in Chennai.
I was trying to find a category for ATM, but could not and hence made an approximate entry over to
Home: Personal Finance: Banks: Internet vs Traditional Banks
since it best fits the discussion.
ATMs are really a boon to everybody. You have your cash at your beck and call anytime and anywhere. But are you sure that you are transacting safely to your account and particularly in Chennai. This is definitely a hard question to answer, I would say. I particularly observed this behavior in ICICI and HDFC ATMs in Chennai. I am not sure of other places and perhaps people having observed this pattern can share their views too.
All ATMs have a board or a indication like one people inside this or one person beyond this and there will be a board or lakshman rekha near the ATM box. But does this rule obeyed?
Observations in Chennai:
(1) When somebody is in the middle of transacting to the teller machine, there will be one more nose poking from your back.
(2) The security guy that stands, keeps sending two persons into the ATM cubicle, with only 1 ATM machine(3 for ATM cubicle with 2 machines). He says, he effectively managed the queue waiting outside. I would rather put this way. He does not effectively manage the queue. He is infact disturbing the security and privacy of the person that is doing the transactions.
(3) Boarding an autorickshaw just outside the ATM machines. Strongly avoid this. There may be eyes that might be observing you withdrawing cash from the ATM. Walk a significant distance from the ATM till you are satisfied that you have crossed a stone throw distance and ensure that no normal regular eyes that were found near you at the vicinity of the bank is near you. Avoid unnecessary gossips and stupid talks to strangers and unknown persons near the ATM machines. You are supposed to have a live conversation to the ATM machine using your PIN and other identification information and not to other persons.
SUGGESTIONS:
(1) Banks need to strongly advise the security personnel not to allow more persons than the number of ATM machines available for service. Of course, since the security personnel come from definite security agencies(In Chennai like class IV etc), these agencies can also undertake training programs and counselling sessions for their employees) and advise them.
(2)Cooperation of general public: We understand that you are in a hurry and so is the other guy. Understand that.