Dundee a hotbed for ATM conmen
People must be particularly aware of who is around them when using an ATM. Do not converse with strangers when using an ATM.”
Dundee has become a notorious hotbed for ATM scamming. Gangs from around the province converge on the town to swindle people of out their cash at ATMs in the town.
Police said the 15th and end of the month days are when the gangs are ‘fully operational’. The elderly are especially vulnerable.
“A favourite trick is to pick on those using the instant money option at ATMS. They hover around the machines and pick on those using this facility. Their approach the person and confuse them, saying they can help. They then say, key in your pin code. So, instead of using the instant money option sent to them by a loved one, they key in their real pin code which is shown on the screen.
“Next minute the crook is gone, complete with the victim’s card and they start drawing money all over the place,” warned Captain Roshan Banawo.
In one incident, one swindler spent R7000 on airtime after stealing a bank card. “People must be particularly aware of who is around them when using an ATM. Do not converse with strangers when using an ATM.”
