Watch your back at ATMs
Three people tell their story about being defrauded at ATMs in Greenhills.
It is been brought to the attention of the Herald that the Greenhills Circle has been plagued by ATM fraud.
Police have issued safety measures to follow when withdrawing money from an ATM.
The latest victim of ATM fraud reported to the Herald was Johan Vermeulen, a 71-year-old man that was defrauded of over R10 000 one Saturday in June.
Vermeulen was conned by a man willing to ‘assist’ him at the Nedbank ATM at the Greenhills Circle and shortly after, large purchases were made on his card at liquor stores in Soweto.
One of the employees at the Herald, Bellah Motlashuping also has fallen victim to crime at an ATM, much similar to the way in which Vermeulen had been defrauded.
It happened last year at the end of January. I went to draw money at the First National Bank ATM in Greenhills. There was a man in front of me drawing money. When he was done, I put my card in the slot and then the machine got stuck. I tried to put in my PIN but the keyboard also was stuck — that’s when he came back and said he forgot his slip. Another guy walked to me offering help but I refused. I went back to the office to stop the card but then I got a message saying that money had been taken from my account. They took R2 400,” Motlashuping explained.
Police advise people making withdrawals at an ATM to use these safety measures:
• Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM..
• Never give your card or PIN 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 prompted to do so on 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 shield to make sure nobody sees your keying in your PIN.
• Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap or take your card.
• Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM and be wary of strangers asking for help.
• 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 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.
• Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions.
• If you need help, ask a bank official.
• It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 413 8726.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Man, 71, robbed of R10 000 at ATM
Another ATM user tricked out of R4 000
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
