PEOPLE falling victim to scams and all sorts of crimes that deprive them of their hard-earned money at ATMs, is nothing new.
A lot of local residents have already become very conscious of their surrounding when at ATMs.
SAPS gives these tips to help residents protect themselves.
Tips:
- Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM.
- Never give your card or PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone, for any reason.
- Don’t write your PIN on the card or anything that’s kept with the card.
- Don’t insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
- Never use an ATM with a blank screen and if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.
- Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as a shield, to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.
- Make sure to keep your hand over the card slot, so that nobody can swap or take your card.
- Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.
Criminals work in teams – one to distract you, while the other steals your card or money.
- If your card is retained (‘swallowed’) by the ATM, it’s advisable to phone your bank’s toll-free stop card line immediately and stop your card.
- Never allow bystanders to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf – they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
- Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore can’t help you with transactions.
- If you need help, ask a bank official.
- It’s advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.
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