Banking safety tips

A resident was recently scammed at the Auckland Park Absa ATM while attempting to withdraw money.

According to Kudzi Samushonga, Absa Retail Bank Provincial Executive for Gauteng the bank is not aware of this incident.

“However, as ATM fraud is prevalent across the industry, customers should bear some safety tips in mind when transacting at an ATM,” advised Samushonga.

Safety tips when withdrawing from an ATM:

•  Keep your banking access information secure (account number, Pin and password)
•  Choose a Pin number that is difficult to guess.
•  Memorise your Pin so that you do not have it written down anywhere.
•  Always be aware of your surroundings when you approach an ATM. Check the area for suspicious-looking people and leave the ATM immediately if you do not feel safe.
•  If you think the ATM is not working, cancel the transaction immediately and try to use another one.
•  When you enter your Pin, cover the keypad with your other hand to make sure that no one else sees it.
•  Always concentrate and keep your eyes on the screen when you are at an ATM.
•  Do not worry when your card goes in to the ATM card slot slowly. This is a precautionary measure that stops fraudsters from inserting other objects into the ATM slot. Absa uses a unique anti-card skimming software, which prohibits the copying of data from banking cards.
•  If you need help, do not ask anyone other than an Absa bank official. Never ask strangers or the ATM security guard for help.
•  Always be cautious of strangers who offer to help you at the ATM, they might be trying to distract you and take your card or get your Pin number.
•  You should not use an ATM if it looks like the card slot, keypad or screen has been tampered with.
•  Ensure you get your card back every time you use it and check that it is your card. This is especially important if someone disturbs you while at the ATM, as they may have swapped your card.
•  If your card is lost or stolen, or it gets retained or jammed, or if somebody interferes with you while using an ATM, you should immediately call the Absa Stop Card Line to report it and cancel your card.