ComplaintAdda
Fact CheckedLast Updated: 5 July 2026Reviewed By: ComplaintAdda Editorial Team

ATM Fraud

ATM fraud includes card skimming devices that clone your card data, cash-not-dispensed-but-debited failures, and card-swap tricks by bystanders. Banks must reverse a failed-dispense debit within 7 working days under RBI rules.

What Is It

Any fraudulent loss occurring at or through an ATM, whether via a skimming device, a technical failure debiting your account without dispensing cash, or manual card-swap trickery.

When To Use It

Use this when cash was not dispensed but your account was debited, or when unauthorized withdrawals appear after using an ATM with a suspicious card slot.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1Note the ATM ID, date, time and amount immediately from the transaction slip or SMS.
  2. 2Call your bank's customer care to raise a 'failed transaction/cash not dispensed' complaint the same day.
  3. 3Get a complaint reference number and ask for the reversal timeline (usually within 7 working days).
  4. 4If unresolved after 30 days, escalate to the RBI Complaint Management System (cms.rbi.org.in).
  5. 5For skimming/unauthorized withdrawal, also call 1930 and file on cybercrime.gov.in.

Documents Required

  • ATM transaction slip or SMS alert
  • Bank statement showing the debit
  • Complaint reference number from the bank
  • ID proof

Fees

Free at every stage, including the RBI Ombudsman process.

Processing Time

RBI mandates reversal of a failed ATM transaction within 7 working days, with penalty for further delay.

Important Tips

  • Check the card slot for loose attachments before inserting your card.
  • Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.
  • Banks must credit back a failed-dispense debit automatically within 7 days — escalate immediately if they don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

RBI rules require automatic reversal within 7 working days; if delayed, the bank must pay compensation of ₹100 per day of delay.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with the official source before acting.