Increased ATM usage has resulted in criminals devising various scams such as card skimming, card swapping, ATM shoulder surfing and trapping cards inside ATMs to steal the card or data.
According to a police report, the following scenario has been identified:
A person claiming to be working for a bank approached a client. The client was requested to reactivate the card by swiping the card through a device which is a skimming device. This can happen before or after the client has withdrawn money from the ATM. Often, there would be a second or even third person loitering around the ATM, shoulder surfing for a PIN the moment the client uses the ATM.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/01/21/video-see-how-atm-scamsters-pull-off-their-confusing-tricks/
A skimming device can also be mounted over the ATM card slot. Most ATM skimming devices do not interfere with the ATM when utilised. These devices are created to look like a card reader slot and fit seamlessly over the slot, making them difficult to detect. The false reader in the skimming device acquires the magnetic strip data and the PIN is compromised by means of a spy camera installed within the mould containing the skimming device.
While conducting a card transaction at the ATM, the victim is interfered with and the card swapped. This usually happens after the victim has keyed-in the necessary PIN to transact. A criminal would have shoulder-surfed the PIN prior to the card-swap. Usually, criminals who do card-swapping work in groups of about three perpetrators. Some may distract the victim while the other attends to the actual swapping. The victim then leaves the ATM with someone else’s card. As in the case of card-trapping with the Lebanese Loop, the card will be utilised immediately to maximise the reward before the victim realises what has transpired, and arranges for the card to be stopped.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2018/10/19/man-robbed-at-witpoortjie-atm/
The Roodepoort Police issued some safety tips that can help to prevent the community from being victimised by the perpetrators:Â
This is what you have to do when you are at the ATM:
• Follow the instructions on the ATM screen carefully.
• Be alert to your surroundings. Do not use the ATM if there are loiterers or suspicious people in the vicinity. Be aware that fraudsters are often well-dressed, well-spoken and respectable-looking individuals.
• If you are disturbed while transacting at the ATM, your card may possibly be skimmed by being removed and put back into the ATM without your knowledge. Cancel the transaction immediately and report the incident using your Bank’s Stop Card Toll-free number which is displayed on all ATMs, as well as on the back of your bank card.
• After successfully transacting at the ATM, leave immediately. Be cautious of strangers requesting you to return to the ATM to finalise any transaction as skimming may occur during this request.
This is what you should NOT do at the ATM:
• Never force your card into the slot if you experience initial difficulty, as it might have been tampered with.
• If your card is swallowed by the ATM, do not leave the ATM before you have cancelled your card.
Useful tips to protect your PIN:
• Your PIN is your personal key to secure banking and it is crucial to keep it confidential.
• Memorise your PIN, never write it down or share it with anyone, not even with a family member or a bank official.
• Choose a PIN that will not be easily guessed, and never use your date of birth as a PIN.
• Key in your PIN yourself in such a way that no one else can see it, for example, cover the hand that is punching in the numbers, even when alone at the ATM, as criminals are known to place secret cameras to observe your PIN.
• To keep both your card and PIN safe, don’t let anyone stand too close to you
Tips to protect your cash:
• Some fraudsters wait until you’ve drawn your cash to take advantage. Be wary of people loitering around the ATM and ensure that you are not followed.
• Set a daily withdrawal limit that suits your needs to protect yourself in the event that your card and PIN are compromised. (Every bank will have its own default amount which you must check).
• Be cautious of strangers requesting that you return to the ATM to finalise/ close the transaction because they are unable to transact. Skimming may occur during this request.
• If you think the ATM is faulty, cancel the transaction immediately, report the fault to your bank and transact at another ATM.
• Never allow your children to draw money using your card, since they’re the most vulnerable to perpetrators.
• Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM to avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet while in the queue.
• Be cautious of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you to get your card or PIN.
• Choose familiar and well-lit ATMs where you are visible and safe. Report any concerns regarding the ATM to the bank. Toll-free numbers are displayed on all ATMs.
• If you are disturbed or interfered with while transacting at the ATM, your card may be skimmed by being removed and put back into the ATM without your knowledge. Cancel the transaction immediately and report the incident using your bank’s Stop Card Toll-free number which is displayed on all ATMs, as well as on the back of your bank card.
• Know what your ATM looks like so that you can identify any foreign objects attached to it.
• Do not ask anyone to assist you at the ATM, not even the security guarding the ATM or a bank official. Rather go into the bank for assistance.
• Do not insert your card if the screen layout is not familiar to you.
• Don’t use ATMs where the card slot, keypad or screen has been tampered with. It could be an attempt to get hold of your card.
• Some fraudsters wait until you’ve drawn your cash to take advantage. Be wary of people loitering around the ATM and ensure that you are not followed.
• Take your time to complete your transaction and secure your card and your cash in your wallet, handbag or pocket before leaving the ATM.
• Check your balance regularly and report discrepancies to your bank immediately.
• Avoid withdrawing cash to pay for goods/ services, as your debit card can be used for these transactions. You can use your debit card wherever the Maestro/ Visa Electron logo is displayed.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/03/19/community-warned-to-be-careful-when-using-wilrogate-atms-web/
Telephone numbers for reporting ATM-related incidents:
Absa: 0800 111 155
African Bank: 0861 000 555
Albaraka Bank: 0860 225 786
Bank of Athens: 011 833 2117
Bidvest Bank: 0860 111 177
Capitec Bank: 0860 102 043
Citi Bank: 1 800 950 5114
FNB: 0800 110 132
Investec Bank: 011 286 9663
Mercantile Bank: 0860 119 925
Nedbank: 0800 110 929
Standard Bank: 0800 020 600
Sasfin: 080 23 23 23 6
SA Post Office (Post Bank): 0800 535 455
Visa: 0800 990 475
Visa (Outside SA): + 1 303 967 1096
