The number of automated teller machine (ATM) related complaints in South African banks has increased from 1,100 in 2012 to 1,800 in 2013, according to a report by Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS).
The increase in ATM complaints was the result of consumers compromising their personal details.
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OBS said the increase can also be attributed to the stepping up of security measures by banks to prevent electronic banking fraud.
"Criminals are returning to the ‘easier pickings’ of automatic tellers, resorting at times to removing the toll-free numbers from the machines to delay victims’ alerts to the banks," OBS added.
OBS found that banks dealt with a total of 4,950 cases in 2013, compared to 4,552 in 2012 and out of the total cases, around 1,900 cases in 2013 and 1,753 in 2012 were in favour of consumers.
OBS advocate, Clive Pillay, said it is encouraging to see an increasing number of complaints resolved at initial assessment stage, when the matter is referred back to the bank with an OBS recommendation.
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By GlobalData"This reflects the willingness of the banks to abide by our rulings, which are seen as bias-free," Pillay added.
