Cash crisis at ATMs: They take deposits, but won't dispense withdrawals

Citizens who frequently encounter warnings such as "Unable to provide service" or "Withdrawal transaction cannot be performed" at bank ATMs recently are being left in a difficult situation. Consumer associations argue that this situation is a deliberate policy, suggesting that banks are trying to generate profit in this way. Experts state that the increase in service disruptions at ATMs is not a coincidence.

According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, bank ATMs are failing to perform their primary function of cash withdrawal. The banking sector, which has announced billions of liras in profits, is victimizing citizens with service disruptions at ATMs. Some ATMs prevent consumers from accessing their money with restrictions such as "We are currently unable to provide service" or "You can only withdraw foreign currency." Retirees, in particular, are among the groups most affected by this situation. Consumers who cannot withdraw money from ATMs face high costs when they use shared ATMs; for example, a citizen who wants to withdraw 5 thousand liras has to pay a transaction fee of 90 liras.

'THEY TAKE MONEY WHEN DEPOSITING, BUT WON'T DISPENSE IT WHEN WITHDRAWING'

Social media posts draw attention to the problems experienced at ATMs. Consumers react by saying, "They take it when depositing money, but won't dispense it when withdrawing." The fact that ATMs are closed for withdrawals while deposits and other transactions continue to function raises questions. Consumer associations point to the increasing number of complaints and state that sanctions should be imposed on banks.

IT expert Koray Akan argues that banks are intentionally not resolving ATM issues. Akan said, "While banks are reducing their branches and focusing on technological investments, they are neglecting ATMs. Banks that announce billions of liras in profits are providing service with old and broken ATMs. I do not think this situation is well-intentioned. A person who cannot withdraw their money for 2 days has their money working for the bank, and this creates a situation in favor of the banks."

'CONSUMERS ARE BEING DIRECTED TOWARD CREDIT CARDS INSTEAD OF CASH'

According to another claim, banks are trying to direct consumers toward credit card spending instead of cash usage. It is alleged that banks, which collect commissions from both consumers and merchants on card transactions, are making it difficult to withdraw money from ATMs to push consumers toward credit cards.

Consumer associations stated that malfunctions at ATMs should not exceed acceptable limits, adding, "The use of one's personal money is a person's greatest freedom. Hourly malfunctions due to technical glitches at ATMs are understandable; however, it is unacceptable that money cannot be withdrawn from the same ATM for 2 consecutive days. This is a violation of consumer rights and constitutes a crime."

News Source: 12punto