The ATM is a tool that is always widely used by Italians.
Virtually all Italians use the branches automatic for everyday expenses.
Therefore it can be said that the ATM is really one absolutely acquired routine for almost all Italians. But the surprise of the withdrawal ban on Friday is really bizarre and yet the reasons are many founded.
Forbidden to withdraw on Fridays: that’s why
Let’s try to understand what is happening. The ATM has long been in the sights of the taxman.
In fact, the Revenue Agency, through the ATM, carefully monitors the spending habits of Italian citizens. It is precisely through the ATM that you can see if a household withdraws too much or too little in relation to its own declared revenue. All this is possible thanks to the super registry of current accounts which allows the Inland Revenue to monitor everything Italians do. But the ATM is not only in the sights of the taxman but it is also in the crosshairs of the bad guys. Let’s see what is happening in many parts of Italy. Gangs of scammers enter ATMs a device capable of blocking the account holder card.
Here’s how it works
The account holder goes to withdraw at the ATM but finds himself with the card blocked. He is convinced that there is a technical problem with the ATM but being Friday afternoon the bank is closed and will have to wait until Monday to get his card back. So throughout the weekend scammers will be able to use the victim’s card as they wish. In fact, once the user has moved away from the ATM, the criminals unlock his card and can use it at will. In short, it is very important to avoid withdrawing on Fridays.
How to defend yourself from this scam
Paradoxically, however, the Italians they draw very often on this day to get money for weekend expenses. But as we have seen it is much better to withdraw on days when branch operators are present and you can immediately interface with them. However, the numbers are always active block of card. It is important to write down these numbers because in case of problems they can always be reached and you can block the card for security. So if you have any doubts, it is better to block the card with these dedicated telephone numbers.
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