Can Pressing ‘Cancel’ Twice at an ATM Prevent Debit Card PIN Theft? Government Clarifies
Debit Card: A viral message circulating on social media claims that pressing the ‘cancel’ button twice before inserting your debit card into an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) can protect you from PIN theft. The message, falsely attributed to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), advises users to adopt this method to avoid keypad tampering and safeguard their financial information.
What Does the Viral Message Claim?
The widely shared message reads: A very useful tip while withdrawing money from an ATM. Press ‘cancel’ twice before inserting your card. If someone has tampered with the keypad to steal your PIN, it will get deactivated. Please make this a habit every time you use an ATM.
At first glance, this tip seems like a simple precaution. But is it really effective?
The Truth Behind the Claim
This claim is false and misleading. According to PIB Fact Check, the official fact-checking handle of the Government of India, this message is fake. No such advisory has been issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
There is no evidence or official guideline from the RBI stating that pressing the ‘cancel’ button twice can deactivate fraud devices or prevent PIN skimming. The government has clarified that this practice does not provide any security benefit and warned the public not to rely on or spread such unverified claims.
RBI Has Not Endorsed This Practice
The RBI has never advised ATM users to press the ‘cancel’ button before inserting their debit card as a safety measure. While it’s always wise to stay vigilant at ATMs, users should follow verified security guidelines issued by their bank or official government channels, rather than relying on social media “hacks” that offer a false sense of protection.
Real ATM Safety Tips You Should Follow
For safe ATM usage, it’s important to follow genuine security advice. According to ICICI Bank, here are some essential precautions:
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Memorize your PIN. Never write it down or store it with your card.
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Never share your PIN with anyone—not even friends or family.
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Protect your PIN entry. Use your hand or body to shield the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent “shoulder surfing.”
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Avoid accepting help from strangers at the ATM, whether for card use or cash withdrawal.
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Press the ‘cancel’ button before leaving the ATM to end your session and ensure no one else can access your account.
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Take your transaction slip and card with you. If you don’t need the slip, shred it to protect your information.
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Report lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank to block unauthorized transactions.
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Verify deposits made via ATM by checking your account statement within a few days. Report any discrepancies to your bank promptly.
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Contact your bank if your card is stuck or cash is not dispensed during a transaction.
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Raise complaints directly with your bank for any unauthorized ATM, debit, or credit card transactions.
Stay Informed with Verified Information
While the viral message may have been shared with good intentions, spreading unverified advice can lead to a false sense of security and may leave you vulnerable to real threats. Always follow security tips from official sources like the RBI, your bank, or PIB Fact Check.
For accurate information about banking safety and fraud prevention, rely only on trusted channels. Staying alert, informed, and cautious is the best way to protect your financial security.
