Last Updated:
ATM users should cover the keypad while entering their PIN and inspect machines for suspicious devices like skimmers to ensure transaction security and privacy
PINs should never be shared, even with friends or family. (Representative/News18 Hindi)
Many believe that pressing the ‘Cancel’ button twice before withdrawing cash from an ATM can protect your PIN from theft. However, experts say this method has no real effect.
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact-check team has confirmed that pressing the ‘Cancel’ button twice does not enhance PIN security, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not advised this practice. This misinformation, which went viral in 2022 and 2023, continues to circulate, misleading people into believing it.
What The ‘Cancel’ Button Actually Does
The ‘Cancel’ button on an ATM is intended to terminate a transaction if it is stopped midway. It does not prevent PIN theft, which typically occurs due to skimming devices, hidden cameras, or onlookers. Practical precautions are essential to safeguard ATM transactions.
Key Tips For Safe ATM Use
While using an ATM, users should cover the keypad when entering their PIN to maintain privacy and carefully inspect the machine for suspicious devices such as skimmers. ATMs in secure locations with functional screens are recommended, and SMS alerts should be kept active to receive immediate notifications of transactions. Any suspicious transactions must be reported to the bank without delay.
Vigilance remains crucial in preventing ATM fraud. PINs should never be shared, even with friends or family, and should be changed every three to six months. Simple PINs, such as ‘1234’ or birthdates, should be avoided. In case a card is lost or retained by the machine, the bank should be informed immediately. These measures provide effective protection against theft.
The ‘Cancel’ button trick offers no real security; awareness and vigilance remain the most reliable defences against ATM fraud.
September 06, 2025, 15:15 IST
Read More
