There are gestures that look banal but can have unexpected consequences. One is to charge the “cancel” button on the ATM immediately after raising money or complete an operation. In certain cases, nothing happens but clean the screen. In other words, the result can undergo temporary balance of balance, card lock or even create space for circumvents that explore moments of distraction.
What happens technically
According to Banco de Portugal, the automatic payment terminals work based on a message circuit exchanged between the machine, the payment network and the issuing bank. The way the system reacts to a “cancel” depends on the moment it is pressed. If it is before the introduction of PIN, the operation is simply aborted. Already after authorization, a temporary retention in the balance may be registered until it is reversed. In case the notes have already been released, the transaction is given as completed.
Caixa Geral de Depósitos clarifies, for example, that if the notes are not collected in time, the ATM reabsorbes them automatically and the amount is later regularized in the customer’s account, and this should communicate the occurrence to the bank. This information shows that the technical cancellation of an authorization is distinct from simply cleaning the screen and may involve additional communications between the terminal and the central systems.
Associated fraud risks
The danger is not always technical. PSP and GNR have warned, in awareness campaigns on social networks and communicated on the site, for schemes in which the burns take advantage of the user’s indecision with automatic boxes. In many cases, someone approaches and offers help, suggesting loading in “canceling” or following makeshift instructions. This technique, known as the “fake helper”, seeks to distract the victim and facilitate the theft of the card or observation of the PIN code.
Another method involves the placement of tampered devices on the terminals to retain cards. When the customer tries to resolve by charging to “cancel”, the criminals take advantage of the confusion to remove the arrested card. Also Banco de Portugal, on the bank client portal, recommends never to accept help from strangers and, in the face of any anomaly, immediately contact the issuing bank and, if necessary, the police authorities.
Retained Card: What to do
If the terminal does not return the card, the most prudent is to call immediately to the suitable line of the machine itself and report the situation. If there are signs of TMJ handling, it should also call the police.
Banks like Caixa Geral de Depósitos explain in their FAQs that, in case of retention, the customer should contact the support line to block the card and ensure replacement. Millennium BCP also indicates, on its website, that the first measure to take is the immediate block through the telephone service, followed by the request for a new card. The New Bank reinforces the same orientation, adding that the replacement should be requested shortly after blocking to avoid additional risks.
Consumer responsibility and protection
As explained by European Payment Services (PSD2) legislation, transposed by Decree-Law No. 91/2018, establishes that service providers must return the amounts of fraudulent operations provided that the customer reports the situation in time. The user only supports up to 50 euros, except fraud or gross negligence.
However, if there is evident negligence, such as sharing PIN or accepting help from strangers, there may be the dispute over responsibility. Therefore, conserving proof and acting quickly is essential.
The ‘golden rule’
The final recommendation is simple: do not carry “cancel” before you have the card and notes in your possession. If something goes wrong, immediately contact the bank and, if necessary, the authorities. Such a banal gesture can become expensive if not treated carefully.
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