ATM Pin Fraud In India: Can urgent the “Cancel” button twice at an ATM actually shield you from PIN theft? This query has gone viral on social media, with claims suggesting that hitting “Cancel” earlier than inserting your card can detect hidden skimmers and even stop fraud makes an attempt. In an age the place each digital and bodily ATM fraud are on the rise, such ideas unfold shortly — however are they efficient or simply one other web fable?

The federal government has clarified that the message claiming urgent the ‘Cancel’ button twice on an ATM can stop PIN theft is fake. The RBI has issued no such advisory. Within the tweet, the Press Info Bureau’s Truth Verify deal with asserted, “A submit falsely attributed to @RBI claims that urgent ‘cancel’ twice on an ATM earlier than a transaction can stop PIN theft.” 

A submit falsely attributed to @RBI claims that urgent ‘cancel’ twice on an ATM earlier than a transaction can stop PIN theft#PIBFactCheck

This assertion is FAKE & has NOT been issued by RBI

Preserve transactions safe

Conduct fund switch in non-public

Conduct fund… pic.twitter.com/hTT64E5bVa
— PIB Truth Verify (@PIBFactCheck) May 6, 2025

How To Keep away from ATM PIN Fraud 

Examine the ATM: Verify for any uncommon units or attachments on the cardboard slot or keypad—these could also be skimmers. 

Allow Transaction Alerts: Activate SMS and e-mail alerts for each ATM transaction to identify unauthorized exercise instantly. 

Change PIN Usually: Replace your PIN periodically and keep away from utilizing simply guessable numbers like birthdays or repeated digits. 

Report Misplaced/Stolen Playing cards Instantly: In case your card goes lacking, block it via cellular banking or your financial institution’s helpline. 

Don’t Settle for Assist from Strangers: In case your card is caught or an error happens, contact your financial institution instantly—by no means settle for help from bystanders.