Safety tips for ATM withdrawals this festive

As the year draws to an end, the festive season is approaching and people are going to the banks to withdraw their hard earned money.

The society schemes and the stokvels are approaching a time when their savings are maturing, which means withdrawals of monies and distribution among members.

Moroka SAPS warns residents that criminals will be the ones that are going to benefit more than the members of those savings scheme or stokvels.

Communications officer Constable John Serala said, “There are some residents that are being robbed just minutes from the bank with money in the bag.

Usually, stokvel members go to the bank to withdraw the lump sum of money alone and go home unaware that the criminals are following him or her.”

Serala said this has become a seasonal trend and SAPS has tips on avoiding being a victim this festive season:

• People can avoid being the victim by contacting their bank and ask for their monies to be transferred to their respective bank accounts with their respective shares.
• They must be aware of their surroundings when they are walking to and from the bank
• Keep your handbag safe and closed
• Never allow strangers to help you at the ATM

Do not buy stolen goods