Card-fraud perpetrators use various scams to trick naive ATM users and skim (clone) their bank cards. Mr Danie Theron, newly appointed operational manager of Bossies Community Justice (BCJ), says the worst of it all is that the unsuspecting customer will probably only realise they have fallen victim to a scam when money is withdrawn from their account.
A member of Nelspruit Concerned Citizens recently almost became a victim when he went to withdraw money at the Absa ATM at Crossing last week. Luckily, the device that was placed over the card feeder, wasn’t secured. “The device came loose as the customer’s card left the machine,” says Theron.
When it was removed to be inspected, a metal strip, that reads information from the the card, was clearly visible and the device was handed to the police for further investigation.
Theron provided the following safety tips to avoid becoming a victim:
• Customers should never use an ATM if it seems damaged or tampered with
• Never ask a stranger to provide assistance at an ATM
• If possible, try to use an ATM that is monitored by a CCTV camera.
Devices like the one on the photo are duplicated in such a manner that a non-specialist will not be able to see the difference, but if you know what to look for, you might:
• Feel if the device is secure before inserting the card. Perpetrators only use double-sided tape to secure it.
• The original device is not supposed to have metal strips in the feeder.
• Watch out for colour differences between the device and the machine.
• Be vigilant and report anything that looks out of the ordinary, even if the device looks a bit discoloured.
An investigation has been launched by the police to try and find the perpetrators.
