Prevent ATM fraud this festive season

During the festive season, it is important to be alert to crimes related to ATM (Auto-Teller Machines) fraud. Especially, during this time of the year, where many Namibians are using their yearly savings to do shopping for their holiday and also preparing to spend time with family and friends.

ATM fraud is a fraudulent activity whereby a criminal uses the ATM card of the victim to withdraw money unlawfully from an account. The criminals are always, on the move and in the vicinity of the banking areas, watching and observing other people withdrawing or deposit cash, at different places and at specific times.

When withdrawing money from an ATM, it is encouraged be alert and vigilant about your surroundings.

The different types of ATM fraud include:

• Shoulder surfing: A form of ATM fraud in which the criminal stands close to you and watches you while you enter your pin on the ATM.

• Card swapping: Occurs when a fraudster distracts you and at the same time demanding that, you insert your pin while swapping your card with another.

• Card trapping: Occurs when fraudsters insert trapping devices into an ATM or SST card slot, in order to prevent your card from being returned to you as it gets stuck in the machine. While you try to get your card back, an accomplice/ or partner in a crime, pretending to be a passer-by, approaches you in the process and expresses his or her willingness to assist you. He or she will ask you to put in your PIN again, copying the numbers, and watch you walk away in frustration as your card remains in the machine. The fraudster will then remove your card from the machine and withdraw money from your account.

To prevent ATM fraud or scams PLEASE do the following:

• Assess the ATM and its surrounding area. Make sure your ATM is in a well-lit area and that no one is loitering around the machine.

• Have your ATM card ready when you approach the machine to avoid opening your wallet while queuing;

• Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Don’t let anyone or anything distract you from your transaction not even people or security guards offering to assist you or to ask for directions.

• When possible, take a friend along, especially at night.

• If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave.

• Never force your card into the ATM slot, rather use another machine.

• Use hand and body as a shield when typing in your PIN. Remember, your PIN is the key to your account. Always safeguard and protect it.

• Never give your PIN to anyone, not even a bank official is required to know your PIN, keep your PIN a secret.

• If someone tries to “assist” you at the ATM and you feel it would be safer to “play along” you could key in the incorrect PIN or leave the ATM immediately.

• Check that the card in your possession is yours before and after every transaction.

• Treat your ATM card as cash.

• Do not count cash at the machine - wait until you are in a safe place.

• If you suspect any foul play or in case your card is stuck on the ATM, call your bank’s customer helpline immediately and report it.

The Namibian Police Force continues to uphold the provisions of the rule of law by committing towards maintaining law and order and provide safety and security for all.

CAUTION: Stay alert, make the right decisions, and be a law-abiding citizen.

Brought to you by the Namibian Police Force Public Relations Division. Follow us on: https://www.nampol.gov.na