ATM fraud has evolved from the simple case of a thief peering over the shoulder of a cardholder to learn his PIN number, and then stealing the card – to the installation of pin-hole cameras, card readers and devices to fool the user into thinking that the machine has retained his card.
It is a growing problem, costing the UK £39 million last year, according to a report released in March by the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACs).
According to the BBC, First Direct wrote to the 10% of its customers who most frequently use cash machines, advising "You may find it more convenient to make a single withdrawal to cover your cash requirements for the day or even for the week ahead".
Other recommendations were to use debit cards or the cashback facilities available in some shops.
But the advice has not been echoed by the UK's Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit, which was set up as a pilot project by the Home Office two years ago.
Detective Inspector Tony Thomas from the unit told BBC Radio 5 Live, "I don't support it. We should not be giving in to these criminals. Yes, we need to be careful but we need to keep it in perspective".
"To carry large amounts of cash around with us is creating new risks," he added.
According to a report on thisislondon.co.uk, First Direct spokeswoman Annette Spencer explained:
'The spirit in which this was sent was one of customer service. We are known for going the extra mile for our customers and this is the same as warning them against internet fraud - high usage of ATM machines increases the risk of fraud.
'We would not presume to dictate to our customers what they should do.'