The stealing of cards at ATMs is on the rise and more people are falling to the scam on a daily basis. According to information received from the senior manager of Trinity Protection Services, Alfred Breitenbach, card ‘swappers’ normally operate in a group of two or more, but can occasionally be one person.
Here is what to look out for when approaching an ATM:
• Is someone standing around?
Breitenbach urges people to be aware of their surroundings.
• Is there a slip left in the ATM?
He says suspects normally go back to the ATM to ask for their slip, and that’s when they start ‘assisting’ victims.
• Is the ATM on the card-less transaction?
“This will cause you to struggle and you won’t get your card in.”
The suspect will now start assisting you because you are struggling.
The first suspect will ‘help’ you and will then take your card.
Then the second suspect will come around and obtain the pin.
“This is possible because the ATM is on a card-less transaction.”
Do not enter your pin number.
Also read: SAPS warning: Vehicle thieves have new modus operandi
Follow these rules:
• Check and double-check your surroundings.
• Do not accept help.
• See if there is a slip left behind in the ATM.
• Make sure the ATM is not in the card-less transaction mode. Press the cancel button first before you transact.
Breitenbach reiterates that people should never accept help and should simply walk away.
“You can always do your transaction at a later stage or different location. Do not put yourself at unnecessary risk,” he says.
Also read: Be on the lookout – new modus operandi for criminals
Capt Johannes Ramphora, the spokesperson for the Springs police agrees with Breitenbach and says it is very good advice.
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