In Poland, a Belarusian woman was withdrawing money from an ATM when she was suddenly surrounded by three men
Incassators saved her.
Photo: Unplash
After the news that a Belarusian man was robbed and almost kidnapped in Warsaw while depositing money into an account via an ATM, Veranika, a Belarusian woman who had previously found herself in a similar situation, contacted Most. Her story ended well because incassators intervened. The girl told the details.
"I was afraid to take the money from the ATM"
It was around 2 PM when Veranika approached an ATM located in the city center, next to a bank branch, grocery stores, and a pharmacy, to withdraw 2,000 Polish zlotys from her account (about 460 euros). According to the girl, about 200 meters from the ATM were "three men of non-Slavic appearance, aged 40 to 50."
When Veranika started withdrawing money, the men unexpectedly approached her almost closely — within less than a meter. According to the Belarusian woman's feelings, they seemed to have surrounded her from three sides.
The girl was withdrawing money using the Blik system, which does not require a bank card. In the mobile application, it is enough to generate a six-digit code, enter it on the ATM screen, and confirm the operation in the application. After that, the ATM dispenses the requested amount.
— I was afraid to take the money from the ATM. I ignored the confirmation — and the ATM canceled [the operation]. I pretended I didn't know how to withdraw money and started pressing buttons again, — the girl recounts.
At that moment, incassators approached the ATM. Noticing that the men were standing almost pressed against the girl, they made a remark to them.
— They said that when someone withdraws money from an ATM, you cannot stand so close, — the Belarusian woman recalls.
The men did not argue or explain that they were simply waiting for their turn. Instead, they silently turned around and left.
— It was very strange. Because if I, for example, were standing in line, I would apologize and just move further away, — the girl muses.
Veranika thanked the incassation staff and calmly completed the operation.
How to safely withdraw cash or top up an account at an ATM
The Polish police provide a list of precautions that will help avoid trouble during ATM operations.
It is recommended to go to the ATM accompanied by another person, for example, a family member, friend, or good acquaintance.
It is also worth choosing devices located inside bank branches. During non-working hours and weekends, access to such ATMs is usually by bank card, which increases security. If you need to withdraw a large sum, it is better to do so directly with a bank employee at the branch.
Before withdrawing cash or topping up an account, you should look around and make sure there are no people nearby suspiciously watching the ATM. If there is such a suspicion, the operation should be postponed.
If assistance is needed during the operation, do not turn to random passers-by. It is better to contact the bank's customer support or ask for help from a branch employee.
It is essential to pay attention to the appearance of the ATM. If something raises suspicions, such as overlays on the keyboard or card reader, it is better to use another device.
When withdrawing money, stand so as to shield the PIN entry and the transaction amount from prying eyes. When entering the code, it is recommended to cover the keyboard with your hand so that a possible hidden camera cannot capture it.
After withdrawing cash, do not count the money in front of others — it is better to put it immediately into your wallet.