Hilary Wilson writes:
I was interested to read about the experience of Bernavie N’dzoungani-N’kamba, who was scammed at the FNB ATM in Melville. Something similar happened to me last year at the Standard Bank ATM at Melville Boulevard Shopping Centre in Melville.
I have lost money in ATM scams before and I knew that the woman supposedly giving advice was a criminal, but thought that my card was still in the machine and therefore could not be used. While the criminal was still on the premises, I tried to get help from security guards and from the centre management, but no one was interested and precious time was lost and the criminal got away.
She had actually got possession of my card and was able to clean out my account at another machine. My bank refused to reimburse my loss as my card was not found in the ATM and it had taken me 15 minutes to stop it.
I do not know how the theft of my card was achieved – either by sleight of hand or by other means. Apparently South Africa is a world-leader in this kind of technology, and I wonder why our banks, who supposedly care so much about our welfare, don’t keep us informed about it.
My advice to other members of the public: stop the card immediately. Don’t try to confront the criminal or get help from anyone else. It’s also a good idea to avoid using ATMs in the Melville area.
