The SAPS special crimes unit the Hawks arrested two suspects for card cloning at an ABSA ATM in Mandela Street.
The suspects aged 33 and 43 years were arrested on November 21 when the investigating officer who recognised one of the suspects caught them in the act.
Apparently one of the men changed his name after previous convictions. The two suspects apparently tried the usual tricks by pretending to assist a customer while that person was using the ATM. The victim caught on and called them out. The authorities were called in and they were arrested. They searched one of suspects and allegedly found the stolen bank card in his pocket.
The suspects are set to appear in the Witbank Magistrates Court on Thursday November 24 for a formal bail application.
ABSA shared a few safety tips when drawing money at an ATM.
“Always be cautious of strangers who offer to help you at the ATM, they might be trying to distract you and take your card or get your pin number. You shouldn’t use an ATM if it looks like the card slot keypad or screen has been tampered with. Ensure you get your card back every time you use it and check that it is your card. This is especially important if someone disturbs you whilst at the ATM, as they may have swopped your card.”
This was exactly what these two suspects were allegedly trying to do before they got arrested.
The spokesperson for the Hawks has been contacted for comment on the arrest but was unable to issue a reply before going to print. The ABSA fraud hotline is 086 0557 557.
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