As South Africans prepare to travel to holiday destinations around the country, Absa’s card division has advised its customers to be even more vigilant around card and ATM fraud ahead of Easter.
“Customers who travel, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and draw cash from unfamiliar ATMs during Easter, increase their risk of being victims of card and ATM related crime. However, it is possible to prevent this from happening by taking a few simple precautions,” said Geoff Lee, head of Absa Card.
“Customers should always remember that without the correct PIN, an ATM card is useless and there are various things they can do, such as stopping their card, which can limit any financial damage.”
He warns customers drawing money from ATMs to be particularly wary of well-dressed, friendly strangers offering assistance at the ATMs.
“The perpetrators of ATM crime often use sleight-of-hand techniques to obtain your card. They may try to convince you that your card has been swallowed by the ATM and abuse your trust to allow him or an accomplice to observe you entering your PIN.”
Here are some tips to ensure your Easter holiday is not spoilt by fraud or theft:
ATM:
- When leaving the ATM check that you have received the correct card back.
- Never allow strangers, including apparent bank staff members or security guards, to assist you.
- Immediately report a card that has been retained by the ATM for any reason.
- If you think there may be any chance that your PIN and/or card was comprimised, report this to your bank immediately in order that a “hold” may be placed on your card and account. Obtain a reference number for the complaint.
- If you think there might be something wrong with an ATM, have difficulty inserting your card or find strange-looking objects attached to the ATM, do not use the machine, report it to your closest branch.
- Never give your PIN or internet banking password to anyone, including family or a bank employee.
- Do not enter your PIN unless the ATM screen prompts you to do so.
- If you feel that your PIN or password might have been compromised, change it immediately.
- When entering your PIN at an ATM, stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your body in order to prevent other people from seeing it. Also, use one hand to shield the key board when typing in the PIN. This is also applicable when transacting at a point of sale at any shop.
- Never give out your personal information or banking details to strangers over the phone.
- Ensure that your daily ATM withdrawal limits are in accordance with your need and appetite for risk.
- Ensure that you are aware of the numerous ways in which your ATM card can be used to withdraw or transfer money. Cancel those facilities you do not need or require.
Card fraud:
- Treat your credit card like cash by just carrying the cards you need and never leaving your cards unattended.
- Destroy expired cards by cutting them up.
- Sign new cards, with a ballpoint pen, immediately on receipt.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- Do not use your birth date or birth year as a PIN number, as criminals may have access to this information after stealing your bag or wallet.
- Do not save your PIN number on your cellphone.
- Be careful when giving your personal and credit card information to third parties.
- When giving your card to a merchant to swipe, check the details on the card to ensure that they have given back the correct card.
- When using a debit or credit card at any point of sale outlet or restaurant, never allow your card to leave your sight.
“If people follow these steps they will have very little to worry about and can enjoy their Easter holidays with peace of mind,” added Lee.
Also read: A masterclass in deception – how I fell victim to ATM fraud
Shop safely online with your credit card
Be safe on the roads this Easter
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