Beware of lurking criminals near ATMs

According to Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, the 36-year-old woman was withdrawing money from an ATM along Voortrekker Road, on Tuesday morning, last week, when she was distracted by a man offering to help her.

“The man tried to take her card and, when he failed, he ran from the scene,” said Joubert.

“He was caught by members of the public just as he was about to get into a blue Hyundai i10; the police were called and he was arrested.”

Joubert told the Herald that residents need to vigilant when using ATMs.

“There are a lot of different ways criminals will try and get your money,” he said.

He offered the following safety tips:

* Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.

* Never give your card or pin (personal identification number) to anyone, for any reason.

* Don’t write your pin on the card or anything that is kept with the card.

* Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.

* Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another machine.

* Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as a shield, to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.

* Keep your hand over the card slot, to make sure nobody can swap or take your card.

* Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.

* Criminals work in teams — one to distract you, while the other steals your card or money.

* If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM, it is advisable to phone your bank immediately and stop your card.

* Never allow a bystander to call the bank on your behalf — they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.

* Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminals activities and cannot help you with transactions.

* If you need help, ask a bank official.

* It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.