Be vigilant when withdrawing cash this festive season

AUTHORITIES warn members of the community to be on high alert during the festive season, so as not to fall victim to opportunistic crime.

Bank card scams are very popular at this time of year and citizens are advised to be cautious while withdrawing money from ATMs.

Popular syndicates target ATMs throughout the country, particularly ATMs in isolated shopping complexes.

The fraudsters pretend to help people and, during the process, they exchange cards without being noticed and immediately run to ATMs which do not have CCTV cameras.

These syndicate members are mostly well-dressed and well-spoken, but authorities urge people to only allow the security guards who work at the ATMs to help them instead of allowing strangers to assist.