HOW TO SAFELY USE ATMS

Police have provided the below safety tips and have asked the public to be alert and conscious of their surroundings when using an ATM. They say criminals have devised various scams to steal money from ATM users, including card skimming, shoulder surfing, card swapping and trapping cards.

● Never give your card or PIN (personal identification number) 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 a shield to make sure nobody sees you key in your pin.

● Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap 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.

Important telephone numbers for reporting ATM related incidents:

Absa 0800 111 155

Bidvest Bank 0860 111 177 Capitec Bank 0860 102 043

Citi Bank 1-800-950-5114

Fnb 0800 110 132

Investec Bank 011 286 9663 Mercantile Bank 0860 119 925 Nedbank 0800 110 929 Standard Bank 0800 020 600Sa Post Office (Post Bank) 0800 535 455 Ubank 0860 00 8322