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ATM woes: 'I got my card back after 30 minutes'

June 25, 2016 08:59 IST

We had asked you, dear readers to share your good and bad ATM experiences.

Rediff reader Shan Anbu, 42, tells us how his card got stuck in the ATM due to lack of backup power facility. You can share yours too!

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

It was just another day when I casually walked into an HDFC ATM in Old Madras Road, K R Puram to withdraw some cash.

There were multiple machines inside the ATM, but there wasn't a guard around.

Now HDFC has many machines that takes the cards in for the transaction. And unfortunately I was accessing a similar kind of ATM.

My card went in. When I typed the pin, the electricity went off. Surprisingly the ATM also shut, and there wasn't any battery backup.

I pressed the buttons to get my card back, but it didn't work.

I desperately looked for a guard but none turned up.

After 10 minutes I called up HDFC customer care for help. Getting through the IVRS (Interactive Voice Response) was tricky.

I waited out and kept an eye on the ATM in which my card was stuck. I kept trying HDFC for another 10 minutes.

After 20 minutes, power was restored. The ATM booted, (and I) thought the card wouldn't come out.

But to my surprise the card came out in a while.

I got my card back after 30 minutes. I was relieved from all the follow-ups that I had to do with the bank, in case I never got my card back.

I think ATM machines delivering the card after 30 minutes is certainly risky.

Miscreants can power down the machines and collect the cards.

According to me, if the card gets stuck in the card slot, it should be safely kept inside for it to be delivered to the right person. It shouldn't be given to any unconfirmed person by the ATM.

Lead image used for representational purpose.

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Dear readers do you have an ATM story to share?

What problems did you face and how did you deal with it?

Mail us your stories and advice at getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject: ATM woes) along with your NAME, AGE and LOCATION. We'll share the best ones right onRediff.com.

Lead image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Reuters

DISCLAIMER: The views and responses published are, to the best of our knowledge, original entries submitted by readers. Rediff.com does not assume any responsibility for the views expressed by its readers.

Shan Anbu Bengaluru