Independent Canadian editorial publicationPublished at albacoranivo.digital
Consumer Safety

If an ATM keeps your card: what to do next

A straightforward response plan can reduce the risk of unauthorized use.

Editorial image illustrating If an ATM keeps your card: what to do next

Stop and contact the right organization

If an ATM retains a debit card, contact your financial institution or the ATM owner directly. Most machines display operator contact information. Do not accept help from strangers who ask you to re-enter a PIN or share card details.

Watch the account

Check recent transactions and follow your financial institution’s instructions for locking or replacing the card. If you notice activity you did not authorize, report it immediately.

Do not attempt to recover the card yourself

Avoid trying to open, force or disassemble any part of an ATM. A retained card can have many causes, and the safest response is to contact the institution or machine operator.

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