Wierdabrug and especially The Reeds residents have been warned to be careful when using ATMs.
“There has been an increase in reports of so-called card skimming in the area,” said Wierdabrug sector 2 CPF spokesperson Mynhardt le Roux.
“It appears criminals are placing devices into the ATM card slot, which then reads the card’s information.”
Le Roux said in most cases, it appeared criminals were using this information to clone bank cards.
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“What we have noticed is criminals will wait until midnight before withdrawing any money from your account,” he said.
“This is because of the limits on the accounts for withdrawals.”
The card skimmer will withdraw an amount shortly before midnight and then wait a few minutes.
A second withdrawal is then made on the renewed daily limit.
“The victim is at this time sound asleep and doesn’t even realise what is happening until the next morning,” Le Roux said.
ALSO READ: How to avoid being scammed
The South African banking risk information centre offered the following tips when using ATMs:
– If you think the ATM is faulty cancel the transaction immediately, report the fault to your bank and transact at another ATM.
– Avoid ATMs that are dimly lit or surrounded by loiterers, and never allow your children to draw money using your card.
– Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM to avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet while in the queue.
– Be cautious of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you to get your card or PIN.
– Report suspicious items or people around ATMs to the bank.
– If you are disturbed or interfered with, whilst transacting at the ATM, your card may be skimmed, by being removed and replaced back into the ATM without your knowledge. Cancel the transaction immediately and report the incident using your bank’s stop card toll-free number which is displayed on all ATMs, as well as on the back of your bank card.
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