I&M Bank, in Kenya, is investigating biometric devices to install into ATMs to tackle credit card fraud.
John Njoroge, head of card products at I&M Bank, Kenya, said it was part of their future plan, as he highlighted the problem of people being kidnapped and taken to an ATM to withdraw money.
Speaking as part of an ATM Card Security seminar at Cards and Payments Africa 2013, in Johannesburg, Njoroge said: “There is a conversation already going on. We are looking into that area in a very serious way.
“Regarding kidnapping it would help, unless they have taken your thumb.”
Biometric payment devices are already in place in Botswana, which also contain a “safe finger” feature, which will automatically show a very low balance when a person is under pressure.
Roshaan Kulpoo, of Mauritius Commercial Bank, said they had no plans at present to roll out biometric data at their ATMs.
