Elderly people are urged to be vigilant at ATMs in Sinoville

The Sinoville CPF have raised concerns about the spike in ATM robberies and bank fraud with elderly people being targeted.

The CPF warned residents in the area to be vigilant.

CPF spokesperson Lizette du Plooy urged the locals to protect the elderly as they are often targeted because they are unsuspecting and regarded as “soft targets”.

She said there have been cases where confidential information was retrieved via phone calls and the thieves managed to clean out the pension money of the elderly.

Du Plooy urged the residents to accompany elders to ATMs to avoid them seeking help from strangers.

“Everyone is urged not to share their confidential information such as bank card number and expiry date in emails or on WhatsApp, as this is the method fraudsters use.”

She cautioned people against clicking on links sent via email, SMS or WhatsApp.

“Your bank will never send you a link to log in to your banking profile,” she warned.

She shared safety tips for elderly people using ATMs:

– Choose a well-lit and busy ATM location: Opt for ATMs situated in well-illuminated areas and frequented by other people. Avoid using remote or secluded ATMs, especially during the night.

– Be aware of your surroundings: Before approaching the ATM, scan the area for suspicious individuals or activities. If something seems off, trust your instincts and find another ATM.

– Keep your PIN confidential: When entering your personal identification number (PIN), shield the keypad with your hand or body to prevent others from seeing it. Never share your PIN with anyone, even family members or bank staff.

– Beware of strangers offering assistance: If anyone approaches you while you’re at the ATM, politely decline their offer to assist you. Fraudsters may use such situations to shoulder surf or trick you into revealing your PIN.

– Avoid using ATMs with skimming devices: Skimming is a common technique used by criminals to steal card information. Inspect the ATM closely for any irregularities, loose parts, or hidden cameras before using it.

If anything seems suspicious, notify the bank immediately.

– Keep transactions private: Once your transaction is complete, ensure that both your card and receipt are safely secured. Avoid discussing your transactions or displaying cash withdrawn from ATMs in public.

– Regularly monitor your bank statements: Check your bank statements regularly to spot any unauthorised transactions or discrepancies. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

– Use contactless payment options where available: If possible, consider using contactless payment methods, such as mobile wallets or cards with tap-to-pay functionality. This reduces the need to insert your card into an ATM and minimises the risk of card skimming.

“Remember, staying vigilant and following these precautions can help ensure a safer ATM experience for elderly individuals,” Du Plooy said.

Elderly abuse in any form is a crime in South Africa and can be reported to your nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop on 086000 10111.

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