Randfontein Police issued a warning to residents as thefts at Automated Teller Machines (ATM’s) are increasing.
According to Randfontein Police spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst, “Over the first weekend in 2015 alone there were three separate incidents where people were targeted.”
Here are some operating methods of ATM thieves. The suspect:
• dresses very neatly, usually in a shirt and neat trousers. The suspect even might be dressed in the colours of the bank, and will look like a bank employee.
• will be in the queue to use the ATM or will be busy at the ATM when they target their potential victims.
• will interfere while you are busy entering your pin.
• will press the cancellation button and while you are distracted, take your bank card.
• is skilled and with a sleight of hand will give you a similar card.
• will do withdrawals from the victim’s bank account quickly at another ATM nearby.
Here are some precautionary measures given by the police:
• Be vigilant when you use an ATM.
• Do not display your bank card, before you approach the ATM.
• Make sure you are alone (shielded from prying eyes) when you enter in your pin.
• Do not allow any person to stand close to you when withdrawing money.
• No one should interfere when you are busy at the ATM. Keep your eye on the ATM if the cancellation button is pressed.
• If you do not feel safe at an ATM, rather leave and do your transaction elsewhere.
• Your daily withdrawal limit should be a small amount, if possible. This will ensure that you limit your loss if you are targeted by thieves.
• Report your lost card to your bank immediately, to prevent withdrawals. The number to cancel your card is normally displayed at the ATM.
• If the ATM does not want to accept your card, leave immediately since the ATM might be tampered with.
