Robbers target ATM’s
Seeing a transaction slip left in the slot at the ATM may be an indication that you are being targeted by robbers.
Estella Naicker
SEEING a transaction slip left in the slot at the ATM may be an indication that you are being targeted by robbers.
Police warn that criminals have been deliberately leaving the transaction slips in the ATM’s in order to have an excuse to approach the ATM, after the unwitting victim has already entered his/her ATM pin.
“We have received reports in Vryheid of people being robbed at the ATM’s in this manner. The robber waits for you to enter your pin. He then approaches the ATM saying he has forgotten to take his transaction slip with him. Before you know it, he has pushed you aside and made a withdrawal from your account,” warned SAPS Vryheid media liaison officer, Captain Cheryl Venter.
Captain Venter urged that residents who see a transaction slip dangling from an ATM should rather use a different ATM instead, in order to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
The SAPS offers the following safety tips when using an ATM:
– 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 ATM.
– Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as 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 swop 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 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.
