An ATM branded “Your ATM Services” was inside a convenient store with a signposting saying “reasons why your bank card may not be returned”:

  1. the card is damaged
  2. fraud is suspected
  3. your PIN is entered incorrectly 3 times

Is that stupid or what? I went to a different ATM.

  1. If the machine thinks my card is damaged, I would still like my card back because who’s to say the machine’s ability to read the card is not broken? Or maybe the EMV chip contacts just need to be cleaned.

  2. “fraud” is flagged by AI algorithms that are often wrong. If you misjudge the forex rate and accidentally ask for more than your limit, that’s sufficient to trigger the card being flagged for fraud. Once the card is swallowed, your chance to simply clear things up with a phone call to your bank are gone.

  3. We get 3 tries at our pin for a good reason. The first attempt can easily be botched because you enter the pin for the wrong card. The 2nd attempt might repeat that same mistake because you thought maybe your hand entered something different than your brain intended (motor skills & muscle memory). The 3rd can be any number of other things. So you think “i’ll stop if I get it wrong twice”. Then you go to another ATM. Then your bank’s AI algo says changing machines after a wrong pin is suspicious.

I suppose they’re trying to discourage thieves from using stolen cards at that ATM. But in effect the rules are stacked against legit consumers.

It’s bizarre that these are legal reasons to swallow the card. And makes me wonder what other ATMs have that policy without telling you.

  • activistPnk@slrpnk.netOPNederlands
    1·
    11 months ago

    Good point. I didn’t notice if that machine had that ability, but I know my card does not.

    • Oisteink@feddit.nlNederlands
      1·
      11 months ago

      I’ve no idea if that machine can do it - but contact-less payment is pretty common in Europe (or maybe just Nor/Swe/Den)

      • activistPnk@slrpnk.netOPNederlands
        1·
        11 months ago

        To be clear, we’re not talking payments; this is an ATM. Don’t contactless payments have a low maximum since they don’t require a PIN? A card I use for payments is contactless, but my ATM card uses a chip and PIN. I’d be concerned if someone could steal my card and simply tap it at an ATM to get cash.

        • Oisteink@feddit.nlNederlands
          2·
          11 months ago

          Here in Norway you only get pin-less payment under certain amounts. Beyond that you need a pin. When I fill petrol on my car, I tap with my phone/or card, and is asked for my PIN

          • activistPnk@slrpnk.netOPNederlands
            1·
            11 months ago

            In any case, that would be a good defense for this ridiculous card-eating ATM.

            For those of us without RFid cards, I’m thinking it’s worthwhile to track which ATMs have motorized slots & which ones have manual insertion.