In an increasingly digitalized world, ATMs remain essential tools for our daily transactions. However, the experience of seeing your credit or debit card being held by one of these devices can generate a moment of panic. What is happening behind this incident and how can we act quickly to resolve it?
ATMs are designed to offer safe and efficient service, but they are not free from flaws. The reasons behind a card being held can range from technical errors to suspected fraud. Identifying the reason is the first step to finding a suitable solution and avoiding future complications.
Why is the credit card held at the ATM?
Several factors can contribute to an ATM holding a card. Errors in entering the PIN, expired or blocked cards, and system failures are some of the most common causes. Understanding these reasons can help us prevent similar incidents in the future.
Other factors that can lead to this mishap are power failure or the customer forgetting the card, since these machines, by not detecting activity for a period of around 40 seconds, can retain the card.
What measures to take if the credit card is retained at the ATM?
Immediate action is crucial to ensure the security of your finances. Contacting your bank to report the incident should be your first step, followed by requesting a temporary or permanent blocking of the card if deemed necessary. These steps may vary depending on the bank and the context of the incident, but acting quickly is essential.
In case your card is Interbank, the financial institution recommends entering its application. Following these steps:
- Log in to Interbank App.
- Enter the ‘More’ menu, located at the top right and select the ‘block my card’ option.
- Select the card you want to block. You can choose more than one.
- Review your choice and if everything is fine, press the ‘continue’ button.
- Ready! A record will appear with the details of the operation.
- Once these steps have been completed, the bank will contact the user within a period of no more than 48 hours to coordinate the delivery of the new card.
How do I know if they took out a loan or cards in my name?
The Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS) provides a key tool: the debt report. With this option you can monitor your credit history and recognize if there was a strange movement that you did not make. We show you the steps you have to follow:
- Go to the SBS website and look for the ‘Debt report’ section. You can access it more directly HERE.
- Log in or register with your ID and email.
- Once you log in, you will be able to review your credit history to identify unusual movements and verify debts and active cards.
Keep in mind that you can also get this information through the customer service offices or parts desk.
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
