Here are some helpful hints and tips when at an ATM.

• Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.
• Never give your card or Personal Identification Number (PIN) 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.

TIPS TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF CASH ROBBERIES FOR SAVINGS CLUBS AND STOKVELS
If you are a member of a cash savings club, advise members of your club of the following tips that will assist your club from being victim to cash robberies:

• Refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high risk days (e.g. Monday after month end)
• Ensure persons depositing club cash contributions or making withdrawals are accompanied by another club member
• A stokvel, savings club or burial society can arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account instead of collecting cash contributions
• Keep information regarding dates of withdrawals and other information private. The fewer persons who know the safer it is.

Arrange for the club’s pay-out to be electronically transferred into each club member’s personal account or accounts.

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