ATM Safety: Do You Press The Cancel Button Repeatedly While Withdrawing Money From ATM? You Will Be Shocked To Know The Truth!
ATM Safety: Despite the growing dominance of online payments and UPI, the importance of cash in our daily lives hasn’t diminished entirely. And when we need cash, we inevitably head to the ATM counter. There, a very common sight greets us: people habitually pressing the red ‘Cancel’ button on the keypad multiple times before or after withdrawing money. Many of us firmly believe that this action somehow enhances the security of our bank accounts. But how solid is the foundation of this belief? Is it truly effective, or just a psychological comfort? Let’s uncover the real truth behind this widespread habit.
Common Myths Ingrained in Our Minds
Over the years, several theories have spread by word of mouth among ATM users, which many have accepted as absolute gospel. Especially among the elderly or those less tech-savvy, the ‘Cancel’ button is often seen as a protective shield.
- Claim of Data Deletion: Many believe that if the cancel button is pressed twice after receiving cash, all transaction data is wiped from the machine’s memory. Consequently, the next user or a hacker cannot steal that information.
- PIN Code Protection: Another popular belief is that pressing the cancel button before inserting the card prevents scammers from stealing the PIN number.
- Disabling Skimmers: Some think that if a hidden camera or skimmer is attached to the ATM machine, pressing this button will render it useless or detect it.
PIB and RBI Statement: What is the Real Truth?
To put an end to all these speculations, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have stepped in. Their clear statement is that these concepts prevalent in the public mind have no factual basis. It is entirely a rumor.
According to a PIB Fact Check, the ‘Cancel’ button on an ATM machine does not create any additional layer of security. The matter is simplified in the table below:
| Common Myth (Rumor) | Actual Fact |
|---|---|
| Pressing Cancel prevents PIN theft. | This button has no connection to PIN security. |
| It erases transaction history. | ATM servers automatically store data; pressing a button cannot erase it. |
| Protects against hackers. | This button plays no role in cyber security. |
So, What is the Actual Function of the ‘Cancel’ Button?
Naturally, the question arises: if it doesn’t provide security, why is the button there? The answer is very simple. The ‘Cancel’ button on the ATM machine is provided solely for the user’s convenience.
- Correction of Errors: Suppose you accidentally typed 50,000 instead of 5,000. You can press this button to cancel the process and start over.
- Cancelling Transaction: If you decide not to withdraw money even after entering the PIN, you can stop the entire process by pressing this button.
- Retrieving the Card: Often, the card cannot be removed until the screen returns to the home page after the transaction ends. Pressing the cancel button ends the session quickly, allowing the card to be safely removed.
Therefore, there is no point in repeatedly pressing the red button at the ATM counter without reason. It will not save you from hackers. Instead, for your own safety, cover the keypad with your hand while typing the PIN number and refrain from taking help from strangers. Avoiding rumors and acquiring correct technical knowledge is the key to security in the digital age.
