Detective Sergeant Loshnie Singh, a specialist in ATM fraud at the Douglasdale Police Station said. “The increased usage of ATMs has resulted in criminals devising various scams such as card skimming, swapping of cards, ATM shoulder surfing and the trapping of cards inside ATMs.”
Singh urged the public to be extremely vigilant and cautious when using an ATM.
“Do not accept assistance at an ATM from a stranger or security guard,” she said. “If an attempt is made to assist you in any way, press ‘cancel’ immediately, ensure the returned card is yours and leave the ATM immediately.”
Singh advised residents to be aware of their surroundings and not allow themselves to be crowded at an ATM. She said residents should avoid withdrawing cash when they are alone, especially at night. “Do not key in your pin if the card appears stuck,” Singh said. “Stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with your body when keying in your pin to ensure that nobody can see what your pin is.”
She urged residents to not write their pins on their ATM cards or on a piece of paper in their wallets or purses as this would be the first place a thief would look. “If the ATMs in a certain area are not working, it is best not to go to the nearest available ATM in the same area especially if you detect suspicious circumstances,” Singh said. “Sabotage of an ATM is often used to lead potential victims to a specific ATM.” She said if a card is stolen or is retained in an ATM, residents should report it immediately to their banks as criminals typically transact with a stolen card within 40 to 50 seconds after the card has been stolen.
Singh urged residents to report all incidents of ATM crime to their banks and to the police.
Details: 011 699 1300.
