Police launch festive season campaign against economic crime
An increase in ATM fraud is expected over the festive season and ATM safety guidelines.
As the festive season approaches, Brighton Beach Police has cautioned the public about those with criminal intentions who seek unsuspecting prey.
The police branch held a brochure campaign at the Hill Side Mall to create awareness on economic crimes. Captain Louise le Roux said the educational brochures distributed explained various forms of fraud such as beneficiary, online of goods and services, identity, cheque and internet fraud such as scams, phishing, smishing and vishing. She added that an increase in ATM fraud is expected over the festive season and ATM safety guidelines.
*Avoid isolated ATMs and using the it late at night.
* If feeling unsafe at an ATM or are suspicious of individuals loitering in the vicinity, trust your instincts, go to another ATM.
* Never write down your PIN or carry it anywhere near your ATM card. Memorize it and keep it a secret.
* Don’t carry your bank cards with your ID, passport or driver’s license in the same wallet or folder.
* Never give your card or you PIN to anyone for any reason – not even a bank official, security personnel or a police official.
* Write down telephone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards and keep them in a safe place
While doing transactions at the ATM
* Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM.
* Take your time while doing your transaction. Don’t get distracted.
* Never let a stranger touch your card.
* Insert your card when instructed to do so by the display screen.
*Never force your card into the card slot.
* Be sure no-one is looking over your shoulder when you key in your PIN.
* Cancel your card if the machine retains it, by calling the card stop number. Be suspicious of anyone offering help. Don’t move away from the machine before you have called the card stop number and make a note of the reference provided by the bank.
After the transaction
* Ensure your own card is returned after the transaction.
* Wherever possible, keep your cash withdrawals to a minimum. Some banks give you an option to set your daily limit.
* Don’t count your cash in front of the ATM or while walking or sitting in an unlocked vehicle, as you may be followed.
* Be watchful of people following you after you have withdrawn your money on foot or vehicle. Be on the look-out for people who may bump into you or offer help, as they may want to pick your pockets or handbag. After having drawn money, be extra cautious when arriving at your next destination.
* If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest public place as soon as possible. If you think someone is following you, take out your cell phone and pretend to make a call. Say the word “police” with enough volume for the person following you to hear.
“SAPS Brighton Beach expresses its appreciation towards the management and tenants of the Hill Side Mall for affording us a platform to host the public awareness and education initiative. Brighton Beach members W/O Theo van Noodwyk, Sgt Emmanuel Sabelo and Sgt Sphumelele Phungula are acknowledged for their operational deployment on the day,” said Le Roux. SA Fraud Prevention Service 086-010-1248.
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