Euronet ATMs were meant to “misleading” customers. The case went to UOKiK

Euronet, 1 of the main suppliers of ATMs in Poland, shocked customers by introducing controversial changes in the interface of its devices. In response, customers expressed concerns, suggesting that these fresh modifications may lead to additional charges erstwhile trying to retreat cash. The fresh plan of ATMs clearly focuses on the option of cash withdrawal combined with balance checking, which, according to reports, brings additional costs. This issue has sparked the interest of the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT), which has taken action to clarify the matter.

Changes he has made Euronet in the interface of their ATMs, they seem confusing to users, especially those who just want to retreat cash. According to the Virtualmedia.pl account, the fresh interface clearly accentuates the option of cash withdrawal in combination with checking the account balance, which involves additional fees, which will require banks to pay respective zlotys. It was these concerns about possible additional costs that prompted the UOKiK to initiate an investigation into changes in the network ATM interface Euronet.

Euronet was meant to mislead. The fresh look is controversial

On selected ATMs it is noticeable to limit the selection to only 2 main options: ‘PLN payout and balance’ and ‘Other services’. What is worrying is that selecting the first option may entail additional costs associated with checking the account balance during the cash withdrawal. In order to avoid these unexpected charges, the client must opt for the second option, namely ‘Other services’, in order only to retreat cash at no extra cost.

Early ATM users are already alerting on this issue. any of them who acted intuitively utilizing these machines began to study that the fresh strategy had misled them. This raises concerns that these changes may be confusing for customers who, unconsciously choosing the option of withdrawal associated with checking the balance, abruptly become exposed to additional fees.

The case was reported to the UOKiK

The Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) launched an investigation into reports of a possibly misleading interface utilized by the ATM network Euronet. It is not only limited to assessing changes in the interface, it besides examines whether consumers have been decently informed of these changes.

According to the Office's press office, "President of the UOKiK is conducting an investigation that includes an analysis of changes in the Euronet ATM interface and how consumers were informed of these changes. We will keep you informed of our findings.”

In addition, the UOKiK stressed that designing the interfaces with which consumers (including ATM interfaces) are in contact should not lead to confusion and adverse decisions about the financial consequences.

At this stage, the UOKiK continues to analyse whether there is simply a hazard that changes in the Euronet ATM interface can mislead consumers and whether they have been decently informed of any changes.

Ignacy Michałowski

OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: [email protected]