Ladysmith police have received reports that people suspected of being involved in card-cloning are operating in Ladysmith. The suspects are described as neatly-dressed, some in suits. They stand near ATMs and watch users. If the user needs assistance, they ‘helpfully’ step in. While doing so, they swap bank cards. Alternatively, they distract the user while swapping the card.
Police are appealing to members of the community to exercise caution and vigilance when using an ATM. At the ATM: Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM. Try to use ATMs that are situated in well-lit, secure areas where cameras are available. 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.
When you remove your card from the machine, check to make sure it is indeed your card. 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. Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap or take your card. Before you use an ATM, run your finger along the card slot to feel if any foreign objects have been placed there. Look around at the machine to see if anything has been tampered with, changed or added. Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM, no matter how neatly dressed and helpful they appear to be. You should also be wary of strangers asking for help. Criminals sometimes work in teams – one to distract you while the other steals your card or money.
Having a friend you trust with you can serve as a deterrent to criminals. 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. Criminals sometimes stand near an ATM and ‘pretend’ to be security guards. If you need help, ask a bank official. It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch. Most banks have an SMS facility available to their clients, which keeps you updated on withdrawals made from your account. Ask your bank about the availability of this service today. Immediately report suspicious persons and activity to the police.
