The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Beware of strangers at banks

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Saturday, Mar 29, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Beware of strangers at banks

Thieves at banks often resort to attention diversion tactics, writes Marri Ramu

Everyone makes doubly sure that the date, figures and signature on the cheque leaf or deposit form are correctly written while withdrawing or depositing cash from the bank. That will ensure a hassle-free transaction.

But most are not as careful while reacting to currency notes lying on the floor and a stranger pointing out to these asking if ‘that is your money’. Those two seconds, when the bank customer’s attention is diverted, are enough for th ieves to disappear with the cash.

Ironically, offenders continue to strike despite many persons falling a prey to the bait of currency notes. While the bank managements wash their hands off by pasting some alert notices and posters on bank premises, the police confine themselves to issue press releases now and then asking people to be cautious.

Surprise strikes

The offenders always keep the police guessing by striking suddenly twice or thrice within a week. By the time the police and the bank staff wake up, they go into hiding leaving the investigators clueless. After a gap of just a month or two, the thieves turn up again at another bank.

Not only their unpredictable timing pattern, but also the different ways they adopt to distract attention of people is making it difficult to catch these gang operators. Though throwing currency notes is the most frequently used bait, they adopt different styles to divert people. They approach genuine customers and try to divert their attention by seeking help in filling up forms.

They innocently ask details of other bank branches and information relating to conducting bank transactions. Another attention diversion tactics is telling the bank employees working in cash counters, that their manager is calling them.

Police say, hence, people should be cautious while speaking to strangers.

Even if you want to verify what the strangers are saying, never leave your valuables or cash in the open and rush out, is another suggestion. The bank employees shall not hand over huge amounts to customers in the open.

Installation of secret cameras in and around the bank premises and posting a person to continuously monitor the visuals is a better preventive measure. Since a large number of transactions take place on Friday, Saturday and Monday, more care should be taken. The security guards should not be assigned any other duty except keeping tab on the visitors.

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Andhra Pradesh