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Bank's ATM policy caters to the rich only - talk show caller

- co-host of the Speak Your Mind TV talk show Richard C. de Castro said such policies worsen the digital divide
Host of the Speak Your Mind television talk show Richard C. de Castro. Photo: VINO
The caller to the show on Saturday May 28, 2016 said that the bank's policy caters to the rich. Photo: Internet source
The caller to the show on Saturday May 28, 2016 said that the bank's policy caters to the rich. Photo: Internet source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A caller who called in to the Speak Your Mind television talk show on Saturday May 28, 2016 expressed concern after he was told by one of the leading commercial banks in the territory that unless he was making a deposit of $3,000 or more he had to use the ATM machine.

“My concern is that it is always good for there to be a good relationship between the bank and the customer. When you telling people if they are not depositing $3,000 or more you have to go to the ATM machine...Remember you have so many people who are not computer literate,” he said.

According to the man, the move on the part of the bank is like their saying they only cater to the rich or the business community.

“Because how many people can be depositing $3,000 or more,” he said.

The caller said that in a lot of instances staff from the bank have to go to the ATM and show the customers how to use it to perform their respective transactions.

“It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and it is not good for customer relations,” said the caller.

A form of discrimination

Co-host of the show, Richard C. de Castro said this is a complaint that he has heard before.

“I don't think it is a good policy. It speaks to the digital divide that we have in the territory where persons can't get services or people who are not as accustomed to using some computer equipment as some people are and they should not be at a disadvantage as that is a form of discrimination.”

He added that such policies run counter to good consumer relations.

de Castro said that while some policies may be realistic for the bank as their profits may be high, those very policies can be unrealistic for the average bank customer.

The co-host called for the bank to reconsider the way they treat customers.

According to de Castro, while the banks could be applauded for reaping huge savings by using offshore calling centres for customer complaints and concerns, such savings are not being translated into the level of customer care that the VI public demands.

19 Responses to “Bank's ATM policy caters to the rich only - talk show caller”

  • wize up (30/05/2016, 07:22) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    I wonder how many sit and ponder on this territory; reflection is a very good things because it open up your eyes and your mind because the direction the territory is heading is very questionable....the residents and the citizens of the territory are faced with some very serious social issues and your concerns are not being addressed by those you voted for: the big focus these days is foreign investment while you and I suffering: a few week before the next election those you voted for will be back on your doorstep reminding you how much their care for you and how they really really love(keep falling for that jive)
  • Political Observer (30/05/2016, 07:35) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I'm confused about the $3000 deposit issue. Let me see if my understanding is in the ball park. If I'm depositing $3000 or more I can go into the bank and the teller will assist me but if I'm depositing less than $3K, I have to use the ATM. True? If true, this is rediculous at worst, is extremely poor customer service and elitist. Someone tell me I got this all wrong.

    Furthermore, the bank(s) should be put on blast, make a fun on the bank, and boycotted. Do not banks make most of their from demand deposits? They take your deposit, lend it out at high interest rate and pay you little to know interest on your deposit. Banks need to make it easier for the average customer to make deposits, not make it more difficult. Who were the prime customers before the wealthy came along? The lil man. The lil man needs to unite and do business with institutions who offer exceptional service. Banking is not a one way street. Both the bank and customer need each other. Thus, customers should do business banks where is a win-win service, where they respected, and where they are appreciated. Where is the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA)? I say run, run, run, boycott, boycott, boycott, peaceful protest, peaceful protest, peaceful protest. Chase the S..Bs out of the BVI!!!
  • west (30/05/2016, 08:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    go public call the bank name yall
  • rtw (30/05/2016, 09:15) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everyone knows it is Scotia. On top of that they have 4 atm on Tortola and most times only 1 or 2 atm ever working. So the line will now be ridiculous long!
  • wow (30/05/2016, 09:21) Like (20) Dislike (21) Reply
    It's an effort to ease up the lines which are usually clogged with many people making small transactions that can be done at the ATM. Common sense also says the reason fro the $3K figure is that they won't want to risk people depositing more than that via the ATM, but rather through the teller. Just another excuse for people to complain and pretend to be a victim. There is always a customer service rep there at the ATMs ready and willing to help all persons who have issues with understanding the new system. Why would you be upset having to wait 5 mins to get your transaction done via ATM as opposed to waiting in an hour, in a long ass line? You people are pathetic sometimes man. Rich vs poor based on ATM? Do you think rich people go to the bank and stand in line? wow.
    • nonsense (30/05/2016, 15:35) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
      SMH the ATM lines have been so long that they actually clog the bank entrance so don't even try to convince anyone that it will take 5mins because its long and even worst than the teller line. Speaking from experience!!
  • Hmm (30/05/2016, 10:52) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    There was once I deposited a check for less than that at this ATM on a Thursday afternoon and did not get access to it till the following Thursday. I was told that weekend deposits took one week by Customer service.. so all I have to say is hmmm
    • stupidness (30/05/2016, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      One week really!!?? I think u are lieing it does not take 1 week stop the madness!!! And carry the right info!!! #stupidass
    • crazy (31/05/2016, 08:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      I once deposited CaSH in an envelope. Labelled and everything....i took me 1 week also!. I had to call the bank every day to ensure that it cleared. Ridiculous
  • Y complain (30/05/2016, 11:49) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    There are 4 other banks just switch and don't complain. I love scotia regardless cause the staff goes the extra mile to help. So if ur dissatisfied don't complain just switch.
  • Anonymous (30/05/2016, 13:28) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    socita bank ate y card over the weekend hope I do not have to pay for a replacement b
  • Victim (30/05/2016, 14:00) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    SMH you sound like you are a Scotia employee.How come you know all these info about the reason for the decision to use the ATM and all the other customers knows nothing? Scotia didn't even had the decency to inform its customers, they just shove it down our throat. I still say this is nonsense they should give ppl the option of using the ATM or the teller as was the case before.
  • Ah come on (30/05/2016, 15:42) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    I always deposit money/checks VIA the ATM. I don't have the patience to be standing on a line in the bank. The ATM takes me less than five minutes.
  • Crabs in a barrel (30/05/2016, 18:15) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    It's evident that some of my people in this territory are not wise! You all go to banco drive thru and are "forced" to do only two transactions.... No complaints! But yet, big public holidays only atm machines up are scotiabank because you bank of choice do not service their machines to facilitate to the numerous withdrawals being made. Just like your own business, the bank is a business place. Some of you'll be occupying space to withdraw $20 when you can get that at an atm. In closing, it will be "just" to say that this is y our territory in this state of depression- because our leaders have noticed how closed minded we are taking us all for a joy ride! Wise up! Stop the ignorance! Let's focus on things of more imprtance, like what exactly is our GOvernment doing for us to make things better and not worse. Cuz day after all we get is bullsh*t interviews and excuses. Talk show hosts and complaining people-look at it this way. You all no longer have to wait in long lines to pay your mortgages that you over charging your tenants for. Better yet, you all don't have any reason now to say you didn't get to make your deposits to pay your mortgages! #thingtoreallytalk
  • KissMeTeeth (30/05/2016, 19:23) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Shame on this de Castro puppet. Why are you promoting this backward, basic, dependent way of thinking? People like you should be censured. If nothing less this should be motivation for our youth to stay educated so life doesn't leave them behind. It baffles me why this is even a discussion.... People fighting to stand up in a line?? Seriously????
  • Cant please people (30/05/2016, 20:16) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    You complain about spending your entire lunch hour in the lines they give a new solution and still it ain't enough. What exactly u all mad at?

    Or is it safe to say that we have a high level of illiteracy here in this territory that people cannot comprehend how to push a button and read the instructions at the atms? Besides they have assistance walking the floor all day!
  • politeness man (31/05/2016, 20:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What? Scotiabank ever do anything wrong? Such rot.
  • Really (01/06/2016, 15:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    How is it catering to the Rich. A quick transaction that can be done thru the ATM helps with the long lines for the teller. Yes there are individuals who don't know how to use the ATM but they have people there to show them.. If I had a choice I would not stand in line on Fridays but I don't.
    What needs to be addressed in Scotia bank is wire transfers being done at the teller line. this is exactly the reason why Tortola will take two steps forward and six back because of people with tunnel vision. A solution was offered to help eliminate the long waiting in lines and yet all you sorry backside still complaining.
  • tretretrete (01/06/2016, 18:47) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I swear some people are just bored and backwards. Educate yourself my BVI ppl. The ATMs are there 24hours a day.... YOU CAN DO YOUR BUSINESS AT ANYTIME!!! WHYYYYYYY would you want to stand up in the bank lines???!!! Why is this even an issue :(
    My poor BVI ppl.. If you are unsure of how to use the ATM or just can't read they will help you.


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