Police issue holiday business banking safety tips

Members of the public are warned not to carry large amounts of cash, especially over the festive season.

“Rather consider other options that are less risky and carry as little cash as possible,” said Capt Nqobile Gwala of the SAPS KZN media centre.

“Consider using cellphone banking or internet transfers to pay accounts or ATMs to do your banking.”

The warning comes in light of recent incidents where people were robbed of their cash or even killed.

Tips to help minimise the chances of being the victim of a robbery:

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash.
• Refrain from making cash deposits.
• Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.
• Do not openly display money you are depositing while standing in the bank queue.
• Avoid carrying money bags, a briefcase or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.
• It’s advisable to identify another nearby branch you can visit to ensure your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected.
• 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 giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public. Rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank.
• Refrain from driving to the bank in your company-branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’.
• Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.