‘KEEP your pin code safe’. ‘Be aware of your surroundings’. Now the latest: ‘Don’t use the FNB ATMs in Scott Street’.
Scottburgh SAPS has registered three cases for investigation following three reports of card cloning since May 6.
A substantial amount of money was fraudulently withdrawn from an ATM at the former Shell Garage in Scott Street shortly after Jerome Papayan used the FNB ATM.
“I was waiting in line behind two neatly-dressed gentlemen who were using an ATM. The first ATM became available and I inserted my bank card, not suspecting anything,” said Mr Papayan, adding that a few minutes later a receipt came out informing him that his card had been retained.
Quite shocked at the predicament, Mr Papayan was approached by one of the gentlemen who informed him that he did not use the machine as, he said, it was faulty. “He then told me that I should cancel the transaction, so I did so,” said Mr Papayan.
Shortly after the incident, Mr Papayan received two messages on his phone notifying him that two withdrawals of R4 000 had taken place at the former Shell Garage – all in mere minutes. “I never even entered my pin, nor did I share it with anyone. How did these thieves get my money?” he asked.
Mr Papayan was not the only victim to approach the Mail. Brian Nel also shared his story.
I was robbed of my money last Friday by a very professional con artist. In five minutes, I was R3 000 short from my bank account, – Brian Nel
Thankfully, he had set a daily limit on his account.
Rushing to the FNB branch at Scottburgh Mall, Mr Nel quickly cancelled his bank card.
“There is absolutely no security at these ATMs and I am not the first victim, nor will I be the last,” he said Mr Nel. “FNB should close these facilities in Scott Street or, at the very least, relocate them to a safer location. I would advise people not to use this ATM,” he added.
The Scottburgh SAPS have implemented counter-crime strategies in order to put a stop to this crime in the hopes of identifying and apprehending the perpetrators involved.
We are concerned with the recent cases of alleged card cloning, in which people are losing large sums of money from their bank accounts, – Captain Vincent Pandarum.
Believed to be a group of three, the suspects work together by distracting the user while their card is then cloned. The original card is retained by the ATM while the fraudulent withdrawals are made with the cloned card.
“The public is warned to be vigilant and not use an ATM if there are suspicious people in the vicinity,” said Captain Pandarum.
“Always look for any strange attachments that could indicate that a cloning device, camera or other such item has been fitted onto the ATM. Report anything suspicious to the police immediately.”
Detective Warrant Officer Strini Maistry is investigating the cases and may be contacted at 039 978 1900/9821.
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