Scotiabank atm question

[M&G Montreal]

Are there still problems with the ATMs being compromised?

Unfortunately, yes. We left Jamaica in mid-February, and a few weeks ago got an alert that G's card had been used. He called straight away, and it was a transaction in Mobay. We got that nixed and they cancelled his card - avoiding the 2nd fraudulent use a few minutes later.

We used both our card a the Scotia ATM in Times Square, and my card was not frauded (is that a verb now like "googling"?). He used his at the one in Sunshine Plaza twice. Mine was not used there. We figure it was there. Interestingly, he reported both times that it was difficult to get the money out - he had to tug at it. 20/20 hindsight - that was a sign the machine had been tampered with, I guess. Note to self: always check the machine for signs of tampering before using and cover your hand when you put in your NIP. Those were the only times we used our cards. The one at Time Square has Security guards at it most of the time.

We found out about the fraud quickly because our bank has an alert app you can get. It texts you whenever your card is used, and you can quickly act on it. Saves a lot of grief. Not sure if all banks have it, but we have it on our phones - 1 iPhone and 1 Android - so the app can be used on both systems.

It's a universal issue; a problem of the 21st Century - have some friends who returned from Europe with the same story from a different part of the world. Use caution everywhere - and let the same technology save your bank account by getting whatever apps and protections and alerts are out there.

[Lola]

He used his at the one in Sunshine Plaza twice. Mine was not used there. We figure it was there. Interestingly, he reported both times that it was difficult to get the money out - he had to tug at it. 20/20 hindsight - that was a sign the machine had been tampered with, I guess.

I don't think it means the machine was tampered with. It has been my experience that some machines have a narrower dispenser for withdrawals, for sure the one at Sunshine Plaza. That one can reasonably handle 22,000. If you want some small bills, the max to request would be 13,900. The one inside NCB bank can handle more, I think at 27K I didn't have to tug it out. The Sagicor ATM next to the Cambio in in town may be able to handle 30 or 28.