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Problems with Chip and Pin Cards
Problems with Chip and Pin Cards
Coins, banknotes or plastic?
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The National Consumer Council recently estimated that as many as three million elderly and disabled people find it difficult to use chip and pin cards.
Natalie Salmon, Head of Goods and Services at the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) said: "We are concerned about the confusion that seems to be reigning - inconsistent information from bank staff and inconsistent information from retail staff.
Retailers and banks have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people who are unable to use PIN cards or find it physically difficult to key in their numbers.
Adjustments could be accepting a chip and signature card instead of a chip and PIN card or adapting the service area so that customers with a visual or mobility can easily use the PIN machines. If retailers and banks don't accept alternative methods of payment they may face court action because they are breaking the law.
The Disability Rights Commission is currently investigating a number of cases of potential discrimination and will not hesitate to pursue legal proceedings if we believe companies are in breach of the law. This could result in legal penalties of up to £50,000.
- Further information from the DRC at: www.drc-gb.org
