A video taken at an automatic teller machine (ATM) on August 17 showed how slight of hand these criminals are.
In the video one can see how a woman tries to draw money from the Nedbank ATM.
As she struggles to do her transaction a very helpful man lends a helping hand. Within seconds one can clearly see how he puts her card in his right pocket.
Totally unaware that her card had just been swopped, the woman again tries to draw money and again the very helpful thief tries to assist her. It appears that he saw her punch in her pin code and as he turns around it seems that he types that code onto his cell phone.
This man was caught on camera after switching a ladies bank card on August 17.
This is not a scenario that happens only in other towns or cities. This happened at Saveways Centre, a shopping centre where hundreds of residents do their daily shopping.
“We know that there are criminal elements out there and any shopper is a target. However we at Saveways Spar take great strides in making our clients’ shopping experience a happy one. We have security cameras all around and we do record everything that happens around our shop,” said Mr Dimitri Georgandonis, manager of Saveways Spar.
He said they have increased their security and will particularly keep a watchful eye on the ATM.
“We promise our shoppers a safe and secure environment where shopping should be a pleasure,” Georgandonis said.
Everyone is a potential victim
He said they welcome any suggestions from the public on how to make the area more secure.
Capt Eddie Hall spokesperson for the Witbank police said they applaud Georgandonis for making the public aware of these scams.
Capt Hall has again warned the public that everyone is a potential victim.
“Don’t let anyone distract you when you are at an ATM. Cover your pin when you pay in shops or go to a cash machine. Ignore people who speak to you when you are at a cash machine, even if they appear to be helpful. Don’t use an ATM if it, or anyone around it, looks suspicious. Call your bank straightaway if you think your card, pin or other security details have been compromised,” Capt Hall again advised.
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