Secunda police said there is a high increase in card cloning and fraud in the area.
Card skimmers, or card cloners, use a card skimming device to fraudulently copy bank customer details stored on the magnetic strip, the brown/black strip on the back, on debit or credit cards.
The customer and card information stolen with skimming devices are often used to manufacture counterfeit cards which criminals use to make fraudulent transactions on a victim’s account.
The perpetrators approach unsuspecting ATM users prior to or after concluding a transaction and claim to work for the bank.
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said residents must avoid asking strangers for help.
“If you need help, ask security or bank attends.
“I advise that you rather go inside the bank.”
She also gave the following safety tips:
* Never give your card to someone at an ATM for any reason.
* Never let anyone assist you at an ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel.
* Beware of people standing close to you when you are conducting transactions at an ATM.
* Ensure you hide your pin when keying it into an ATM.
* Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged.
* Always use an ATM in a well-lit area.
Capt Zondo visited local banks to urge them to educate their clients.
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