Don’t fall victim to syndicate

Vosloorus SAPS have issued a warning to the community of Vosloorus about syndicates targeting clients withdrawing cash from ATMs and banks.

Vosloorus police communication officer Capt Piet Rossouw said that the syndicate is operating mostly at malls and targeting unsuspecting shoppers.

“The community should be aware of fraudsters waiting to defraud them at the malls. The fraudsters are targeting people who are withdrawing money from ATM machines, banks or money outlets.

“A member of the syndicate will walk up to an unsuspecting person who recently withdrew cash and drop a bundle of money. A second member of the syndicate, who ‘witnessed’ the money being dropped, will approach the unsuspecting person and point out the bundle of cash on the ground. The syndicate member will then convince the unsuspecting person to quickly follow him to a spot where they can share the cash. As soon as they reach a spot outside the public eye, fellow syndicate members arrive and rob him or her of the money they have just withdrawn.”

Tips when withdrawing money:

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

*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 also 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’s toll-free stop- card line immediately and stop your card.

*Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop-card line on your behalf – they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.

*Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore 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.

Tips when paying accounts:

•Consider options that are lower risk instead of withdrawing large sums of cash.

• Carry as little cash on you as possible.

• Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options).

• Consider making use of cellphone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking.

Tips for businesses that regularly deposit money:

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash.

• Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.

• Do not openly display the money you are depositing while standing in the bank queue.

• Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.

• It’s advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected.

• If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, then consider using the services of a cash management company.

How to carry cash safely

• Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public. Rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank.

• Refrain from driving to the bank in your company-branded vehicle on a typical payday.

• Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.

Tips for saving clubs and stokvels:

• Refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high-risk days (for example, Monday after month end)

• Ensure persons depositing club cash contributions or making withdrawals are accompanied by another club member.

• A stokvel, savings club or burial society can arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account instead of collecting cash contributions.

• Arrange for the club’s payout to be electronically transferred into each club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice.

SAPS Vosloorus can be contacted on 011 724 10017/19.