The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), speaking on behalf of the banking industry, continues to express concern at the number of bank clients that fall victim to cash robberies.
Kalyani Pillay, SABRIC CEO, said in a statement that for the period January to September 2016, a decrease of 12 per cent in such robberies was recorded when compared with the same period in 2015. Notwithstanding this decrease, the cash loss suffered in the 2016 period has increased by 5 per cent.
“Unfortunately, the victims of these robberies, which are better known as ‘bank-associated robberies’ or ‘bank followings’, are the bank clients. This crime is not only perpetrated in all the major cities but has also manifested itself in the rural towns of South Africa. The provinces with the highest incidence rate are Gauteng followed by Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and North West, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and the Northern Cape.”
Pillay explained, “Perpetrators operate in groups and even travel between provinces and cities to commit these heinous deeds. Individuals referred to as ‘spotters’ enter the bank purporting to be clients and even queue to give the impression that they are bank clients.”
SABRIC believes the sole purpose of this activity is to identify a victim who has made a cash withdrawal. A spotter can be anyone – young or old, male or female. One of the ways in which these crimes are committed is that the description of the victim is communicated by the spotter to his/ her accomplices, who will be waiting outside the bank. The victim is then usually followed to a suitable place where he/ she will be robbed of the cash.
“These criminals are now also targeting business owners who visit the bank to either deposit or withdraw large amounts of cash,” Pillay said.
In 2015 and 2016 (year to date) SABRIC has recorded 10 tragic murders and 35 injuries of victims resulting from such robberies.
In 2016, 94 per cent of the incidents reported either occurred when the client was en route to the bank to deposit, or after conducting a withdrawal. Although 31 per cent of the incidents are attributed to robbery before deposit, 63 per cent occur after a withdrawal. The remainder relate to incidents at ATMs and clients being scammed by criminals after cash withdrawals.
“Collaborative efforts between the South African Police Service and the Banking Industry, as well as bank clients beginning to heed some of the safe banking advice, have contributed to the continued decrease in the number of incidents.”
“Despite these collaborative efforts, bank customers, small to medium business owners and stokvel groupings are urged to consider changing their banking practices, and to use alternative banking methods such as internet banking and ATM transfers, rather than carrying large amounts of cash”, said Pillay.
With the festive season around the corner, the public are cautioned to be even more wary of carrying large amounts of cash, since criminals will also view this time as a bonus period with greater opportunities for them.
By following the tips below, bank clients will reduce the risk of becoming a victim of these robberies:
• Carry as little cash as possible
• Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options)
• Consider making use of cellphone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking
• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash
• If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company
• Refrain from paying wages to your contract or casual labourers’ in full view of the public. Rather make use of wage accounts, which can be provided by your bank.
• Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
• A stokvel savings club or burial society can arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account instead of collecting cash contributions.
• Arrange for the club’s pay-out to be electronically transferred into each club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice.
Related articles:
Residents beware: Dangerous scammers out to target you
SAPS warns against online scams
