SABRIC urges banking customers to be vigilant when using ATMs
SABRIC’s research has revealed that when at the ATM most bank customers do not shield their PIN as they transact.
As the country gears up for the festive season, the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has encouraged banking customers to be vigilant and safe when using the ATMs to withdraw money.
A huge number of South Africans rely on the ATMs to withdraw money. However the increased usage of ATMs has also resulted in criminals devising various scams such as card skimming, swopping and the trapping of card inside ATMs. This is usually accompanied by shoulder surfing to steal PIN numbers.
SABRIC’s research has revealed that when at the ATM most bank customers do not shield their PIN as they transact. “We would like to encourage ATM users to ensure that the hand that types in the PIN number is always covered so that nobody can see what you are typing”, said SABRIC CEO; Kalyani Pillay.
The covering of the hand typing in the PIN numbers ensures that in the unfortunate event of a banking customer’s card being skimmed; the criminals will not have the PIN number to conduct further transactions; thus rendering the exercise ineffective.
It is with this in mind that SABRIC has issued the following tips around ATM fraud:
• If you think the ATM is faulty cancel the transaction IMMEDIATELY; report the fault to your Bank and transact at another ATM.
• Be cautious of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you in order to get your card or PIN.
• Choose familiar and well-lit ATMs where you are visible and safe. Report any concerns regarding the ATM to the Bank. Toll free numbers are displayed on all ATMs.
• If your card is swallowed, do not leave the ATM before you have cancelled your card by calling your bank’s call centre using your own mobile phone.
• Save your bank’s call centre number on your phone so that you have it handy in case you need it.
