Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM

Heed these ATM safety tips.

Content Provided

March 25, 2019

The SAPS are continuing to urge residents to be particularly careful when using ATMs.

The community is encouraged to take into account the following safety tips when using their local ATM:

Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.
Never give your card or PIN number to anyone, for any reason.
Do not write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card.
Do not 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 you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swop or take your card.
Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM, also, be wary of strangers asking for help.
Be aware of the people around the ATM as 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 is advisable to phone your bank’s toll-free stop card line immediately and stop your card.
Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf – they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your nearest branch.