GUWAHATI, May 10 � Callous attitude by a section of customers using ATM machines has emerged as a concern for others, who believe their financial security is compromised every time they make a transaction. It has become a common practice in Guwahati for several persons to enter and stay inside an ATM kiosk while customers are already withdrawing money or getting statements.
The fears are made real by past incidents in which criminals have defrauded customers after gaining illegal access to confidential information inside ATM booths. The narrow confines of the facilities make people stand close to one another making it easy to observe secret code numbers being pressed by customers.
Kandarpa Sarma, who frequents ATM kiosks at Jalukbari and Panbazar said, �It is not a nice feeling to be rubbing shoulders with others while withdrawing money. How do I know who the person next to me is?�
He, like some other customers, does ask for privacy, but most people find it all right to stay inside the facility even when complaints are made. Requests made by security guards go unheeded quite often, according to hassled customers who would like the practice to end.
A security guard at an ATM kiosk at Panbazar when asked said that he has instructions to ensure that kiosks do not get crowded. �We keep repeating it to customers, but it is very rare that people listen to us,� he remarked.
Bank officials when contacted agreed that the practice was a matter of concern as customers have a right to privacy while using ATMs. They are of the view that unless people do not change their attitudes, there is precious little that banks alone can do something about it.
