Since the introduction of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in Rwanda in 2004, many clients have faced challenges most of which are technical and beyond their control.

Where as these challenges are a shared blame of commercial banks and Simtel, the country’s inter-bank network for electronic payment system, ATM card holders must also be very conscious about criminals that can have unauthorised access to one’s account.

I am taking this opportunity to give you some tips of how you can protect your ATM card just the same way you protect your money or cheque book. You need to keep your ATM card in a safe place and protect it.

This means not leaving it around where other people can easily access it.

You must keep close tabs on your day to day account activity, and immediately report any fraudulent or suspicious withdrawals.

In case the card is missing or stolen notify the police and your bank immediately.

You must be very careful never not to write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN) anywhere or reveal it to anyone. The number must be a secret.

This PIN is like a password to your account just like your signature would authorise someone to draw money from your account by cheque.

Be careful not to give any information about your ATM card or PIN over the telephone. If you receive a call allegedly from anyone alleging to be the bank or police wanting to verify your PIN, do not give that information. Crosscheck the reality of that information by calling the police or bank.

You must report any loss or unauthorised transactions carried on your account to the police or your bank.
Request your bank to set a maximum limit of money you must withdraw using the ATM card.

Simtel has its own limited amount authorised per day, but you can personally apply to your bank to change it according to your wish.

This easily averts possible risk of losing all your money on the account through several consecutive withdrawals.

Do you know the expiration date of your card? This will help you do receive another one in time before the expiration date. Once you receive a reissued card, destroy old one.
At the point of withdrawing money from the machine, be aware of others clients in line behind you at the ATM.

Position yourself in away that you prevent anyone from observing your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the ATM key board and remember not to leave your receipt or card when the transaction is complete.

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