The VM Building Society (VMBS) is advising the general public that it has moved to close all automated banking machines (ABMs) not located inside its network of branches, with immediate effect as at 9:00 pm Friday (November 10), until further notice.

The company, in a statement, indicated that ABMs located inside of VMBS branches will be available during normal business hours, as of November 13.

VMBS noted that the closure is due to an increase in detection of attempts to compromise its ABM network, and for the protection of its members.

The building society noted that its members can continue to use their VM Express 24 Debit Cards at point-of-sale facilities and at the more than 800 non-VMBS ABMs on the MultiLink network.

All card fees for transactions done using these channels will be waived during this period.

“Closing our ABMs was not an easy decision, because we know our members depend on them. We must however ensure the safety of our Members’ information and their investments so, for their protection, we have had to implement this temporary closure,” said Paul Elliott, CEO of VMBS.

Elliott advised that the society’s members would be advised when the ABMs are to be reopened. 

VMBS also reminded members to stay vigilant when using any ABM, and to use one hand to cover the other when entering their PINs into the machines.