Residents are warned to be vigilant when using ATMs in the central business district of Standerton. According to Sergeant Johannes Ndaba from the Standerton Police, people should be especially wary of withdrawing money from the machines in the area of Spar.

“Commercial crimes, especially card skimming and card scamming, have spiked over the past few weeks,” said Ndaba.

Criminals either add a skimming device to the ATM, cloning the card and stealing the PIN of the victim, or they pretend to help an unsuspecting ATM user.

“Some victims complained about a man forcing his way into their space when they were using the ATM. This man pretends to help the victim, but in fact clones or steals the bank cards.”

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Ndaba said it often appears as if the victim’s bank card was swallowed by the ATM, but it reemerges after the victim left to report the incident to the bank. The criminal then takes the card and, armed with the knowledge of the bank card’s PIN number, withdraws money.

Ndaba suggested that if you need to withdraw money and you are in an uncomfortable position with a stranger who forced his way into you personal space, you should immediately call the security guard for help.

“Alternatively, it is better to use your bank card to pay for something, or, if you need cash, to withdraw money from a teller inside a store.”

If you think you have been scammed, contact the police on 017 719 1250 or 071 317 3856.

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