The campaign by members of Vosman SAPS, The South Africa Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), Commercial Crime Unit and Reserve Bank officials.
The campaign was held at the KG Mall on Saturday, July 11.
The campaign came after several fraud cases were reported at the Vosman Police Station. It was reported that on Friday, July 10 at about 14:15 money was withdrew from an ATM at the Engen Garage in Extension 5. A complainant alleges that she sent her son and daughter to withdraw money from the garage. While at the garage her daughter phoned to tell her that an unknown man had offered to help them at the ATM and the machine swallowed the card. The mother meanwhile received a message on her phone that an amount of R720 has been withdrawn from her account.
In another case, another complainant reported that on Sunday, June 28, he deposited an amount of R3000 at a Shoprite money market and his family told him that they cannot access the money at Shoprite. He then went to inquire and learned that an unknown person had already withdrawn the money, but it was unclear as to how the money was withdrawn without the numbers required to make a valid withdrawal.
The public were warned to be cautious of strangers offering help as they could be trying to distract them in order to get their card or pin. They were told to choose familiar ATMS where they are visible and safe. They were told to report any concerns regarding the ATM at their bank as numbers are displayed on all ATMs.
“If your card is swallowed do not leave the ATM before you have cancelled your card Pin number. Never let the card out of your sight when making payments. Report any suspicious behaviour by the person to whom you have handed your card when making a payment to your bank immediately. Keep your transaction slips and check them against your statement to spot any suspicious transactions. Make sure you register for 3D secure to help protect you against unauthorised use of your card when shopping online at 3D secure merchants. Do not send e-mails that quote your card number and expiry date,” reads a statement from SABRIC.
The South Africa Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) is a Non Profit Company formed by the four major banks to assist the Banking and Cash in transit companies combat organised bank-related crimes. “We aim to be Africa’s trusted financial crime risk information centre leveraging on strategic partnerships.” SABRIC is a subsidiary of the Banking Association.
