Chennai: A late night visit by Deccan Chronicle to ATMs in the city revealed several interesting facts. A few guards manning ATMs have formed a network to “help” people draw money from ATMs for a commission during odd hours. The network of young guards collects debit cards with the password from their select customers at night and they return the card, after few hours with two possible transactions of Rs 5,000 per card for a minimal commission.
DC was a witness to this network active in ATMs located at Nandanam and Anna Salai with security guards possessing currencies running to the tune of a few thousands.
A security guard also shared his name and contact to this correspondent, who, however, did not want to disclose his identity. “Give me four debit cards by 11 pm. I will swipe the cards before 12 midnight, then again I will swipe them for a second time after 12 midnight, you can collect '20,000 cash (ie 4 X 5,000 = 20,000) and the card, anytime after 12.30 midnight,” said security guard S. Balu (name changed). “The public understand that it will take at least half an hour for a cash transaction and some of them end up availing just Rs 2,000 note without lesser denominations, but we know which ATM dispenses, what denominations, you will get Rs 100 or Rs 500 denominations as per your wish”, he added.
Another one explained that banks like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Axis will allow you to withdraw up to Rs 2,500 per day, when they have lesser denominations and in case of Standard Chattered Banks you will end up just drawing a Rs 2,000 note.
“We know which ATM gets loaded with cash and at what time. We share the commission among our friends and there is nothing wrong in this as we don't insist for a commission, but happy account holders pay us with a smile, he added.
