Banks in Bahrain have stepped up security ahead of the Formula One race to protect customers from fraudsters.

Cash withdrawals from ATMs will be limited to BD200 ($527) from today (April 15) in the lead-up to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Banks have also carried out inspections at all cash machines to ensure thieves have not installed cameras or other equipment that could allow them to steal people's personal information.

“There are always things like this before big international events,” Bahrain Association of Banks chief executive Dr Waheed Al Qassim told the GDN.

“The CBB asks banks to downgrade their ATM transaction limit and gives a general limit of BD200.

“Banks are also required to check every ATM around the country as an increased security measure to ensure that there have been no cameras planted by fraudsters to read people's PIN numbers.

“This is an important measure to ensure safety and keep Bahrain's financial reputation intact.

“The CBB has also asked banks to ensure there is always money available in ATMs.”

The BD200 limit on cash withdrawals at ATMs will remain in place until April 21.

Bahrain is hosting the fourth leg of the FIA Formula One World Championship from Friday (April 17) to Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit.

While the anticipated influx of people into the country is good for the economy, concerns remain that criminals could try to capitalise on the event.

“All banks have to take this into account to protect the rights of the customer,” said Dr Al Qassim.

“That's the most important thing.

“The flow of people into Bahrain will come from all over the world.

“We have seen people steal PIN numbers abroad and then begin to use those card details.

“So this is a matter of what's more secure if someone gets hold of the PIN? Is it better if they steal BD500 or BD1,000, or just BD200 that we can then recover?

“Whenever you have any event like this in Bahrain, 99.9 per cent of people come for the event - but 0.1 per cent will be coming for fraudulent reasons.

“However, within banks withdrawal limits won't change because security is high.” - TradeArabia News Service