UAE | General
Banks heighten awareness campaign to curb thefts
Banks have begun warning customers against withdrawing large amounts of cash to help prevent unfortunate incidents such as theft, following instructions from the Central Bank of the UAE.
- By Anjana Sankar, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:03 June 12, 2008
- Image Credit:
- The messages will warn customers of the dangers of withdrawing large amounts of money, especially when others are watching.
Dubai: Banks have begun warning customers against withdrawing large amounts of cash to help prevent unfortunate incidents such as theft, following instructions from the Central Bank of the UAE.
Emirates Bank has started an sms campaign.
"As directed to banks by UAE Central Bank, please ensure to take all precautionary measures while carrying cash from branches," reads the sms sent by the bank.
mashreq bank said, starting June 16, it will flash warning messages on more than 250 ATMs across the UAE.
"The messages will warn customers of the dangers of withdrawing large amounts of money, especially when others are watching," said Douglas Beckett, head of retail banking at mashreq.
He added that the bank will put up warnings next to teller counters in all the branches, with similar messages in at least three languages, by the middle of next week. The bank is also considering an SMS campaign.
According to Beckett the measures are being taken because of a number of isolated incidents that have come to the attention of the central bank.
"This is a very safe country, and there is no alarming increase in the crime rate. But it is better to be safe than sorry," he added.
Arup Mukhopadhyay, executive vice-president of retail banking at the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said the bank is also planning an SMS campaign.
"Every time an ADCB customer withdraws cash from any ATM the customer receives an SMS message. We will be alerting our customers in those messages to be careful with cash. We will also put up safety posters in branches."
Hassan Mustafa Haron, regional manager for Dubai and the northern Emirates, United Bank Limited, confirmed the bank is warning customers.
"We tell our customers, especially corporate clients and those who handle large amounts, to be careful while moving about after cash withdrawals."
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Do you know anyone who was robbed recently? How much money, in general, do you carry in cash? What do you think is the maximum amount of money a person should carry? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
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