Hundreds of debit cards damaged at faulty ATMs

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27: Faulty ATMs at two of Bermuda supermarkets led to at least 200 debit cards being damaged and needing to be replaced in the run up to Cup Match.

Now HSBC is urging customers to contact the bank if they are experiencing problems with their cards.

The bank says it has fixed the ‘card writers’ — believed to be the source of the problem —  at the two ATMs at White’s Supermarket and Supermart on Front Street.

A special team has been assigned to aid customers affected by the fault, a spokeswoman said yesterday.

Team assigned

She said: “Upon being advised of this issue, HSBC Bermuda assigned a team to replace all affected debit cards for immediate delivery to its respective branches for collection by our customers.

“This effort will continue until all affected debit cards have been replaced. 

“To date, approximately 200 debit cards have been affected and replaced at no cost to our valued customers.”

It is not known how many others could be affected.

The spokeswoman said some customers had used cards at the machines in question without problem.

She said customers whose cards were affected were still able to use ATMs belonging to other banks and HSBC ‘point of sale’ machines.

The fault was highlighted after several customers complained that they were unable to withdraw cash from HSBC ATMs.

They contacted the bank fearing they would be left without access to cash over the Cup Match holiday.

The spokeswoman said anyone with concerns about their card should contact the bank.

“We urge our valued customers to contact us immediately at 299-5959 or Branch locations to report an affected debit card.”