Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank (BB) has asked all banks to install anti-skimming devices at all of their ATM (automated teller machine) booths to check fraudulent activities and ensure security of the depositors’ money.

The central bank in a circular on Monday directed all banks to install anti-skimming and PIN shield devices at their old ATM booths in next 30 days. BB also said that all the new ATM booths should have the similar devices from the very beginning.

In the directive, the banks asked to store and preserve the video footages of transactions at all ATMs and take necessary steps in case of any suspicious transactions.

BB suggested banks that they should review the transactions at ATMs on random basis and send a monthly report to the central bank on their findings of the regular review.

The banks also advised for providing necessary training to the ATMs guards on their duties to help protect ATMs and check unauthorized transactions there.

BB suggested guards to take extra cautions about the people who enter the ATMs wearing cap and sunglasses and carrying begs.

The central bank also made it mandatory that all banks should ensure automated SMS to their clients’ mobile phones regarding any ATM transaction.

The circular was issued against the backdrop of the recent forgery at six ATM booths from where money was withdrawn from of the clients’ accounts of Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) by some unscrupulous people.

Some clients of the EBL on Friday reported to the bank authorities about the unidentified transactions from their accounts.