Bluff police issue ATM fraud alert ahead of festive season

COMMUNITIES are encouraged to be extra vigilant and guard against fraud and thefts while using ATMs.
Brighton Beach SAPS, Capt Louise Le Roux initiated a campaign to create awareness around the various forms of digital and ATM fraud that are committed.

She urged bank clients who use ATMs to avoid isolated areas and using the machine late at night. If you feel unsafe or are suspicious of individuals loitering near an ATM, trust your instincts, leave and use another machine. Never write down your personal identification number (PIN) or carry it near your bank card. Memorise and keep it a secret. Don’t carry your bank cards with your ID, passport or driver’s license in the same wallet or folder. Never give your card or your PIN to anyone for any reason – not even a bank official, security personnel or a police official. If you think your PIN might be known to anyone else, cancel your card or change your PIN. Write down telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards and keep them in a safe place.

READ: South Coast Road ATM conmen withdraw R7,800 from victim’s account
“Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. Take your time while doing your transaction. Don’t be distracted or let anyone touch your card. Do not to insert your card until instructed to do so by the display screen. Be sure no-one is looking over your shoulder when you key in your PIN. Cancel your card if the machine retains it, by calling the card stop number. Be suspicious of anyone offering help. Don’t move away from the machine before you have called the card stop number and make a note of the reference provided by the bank,” she added.

Once the transaction is complete, ensure your card is returned to you.

Wherever possible, minimise cash withdrawals. Some banks give you an option to set your daily limit. Don‘t count cash in front of the ATM or while walking or sitting in an unlocked vehicle, as you may be followed from an ATM. Be watchful of people following you after you have withdrawn your money (on foot or vehicle). Be on the look-out for people who may bump into or offer you help, as they may want to pick your pockets or handbag. After withdrawing money, be extra cautious when arriving at your next destination and if you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest public place as soon as possible. Pretend to make a cell phone call and say the word ‘police’ loudly enough for the person following you to hear.

READ: 10 tips to minimise risks of identity theft
Different types of fraud include identity fraud; internet fraud; phishing; ‘smishing’ (a security attack in which the user is tricked into downloading a trojan horse, virus or other malware onto his cellular phone or other mobile device); sim swap; cheque fraud; beneficiary fraud; online purchasing fraud.
Report fraudulent activities to your nearest police station and the SA Fraud Prevention Centre on 0860-10-12-48.

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