Police tips on ATM safety
THE POLICE have cautioned individuals and business owners to exercise extra safety measures when withdrawing or carrying large amounts of cash, after visiting financial institutions and ATMs.
Police spokesman lieutenant Gerda Swart said incidents where people were followed to their homes after withdrawing cash had been reported. Communities were urged to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when withdrawing cash. People were encouraged to make use of banking facilities, rather than to withdraw large amounts of cash and carry it around.
Safety hints provided included avoiding isolated ATMs and using an ATM late at night or very early in the morning. ATMs in well-lit and busy areas were a better option. “If you feel unsafe at an ATM or you are suspicious of individuals loitering in the vicinity of the ATM, go away and use another ATM. Never write down your personal identification number (Pin) or carry it anywhere near your ATM card.” .
Swart said ATM users should not be distracted, intimidated, or forced to hurry while doing a transaction. Users should never let strangers touch their cards, as the Pin may have already been seen and an attempt at switching the card made. It was advisable not to insert the bank card until instructed to do so by the display screen, Swart said..
“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 his or her help. Don’t move away from the machine before you have called the card stop number and make a note of the reference number provided by the bank. Ensure that your own card is returned after the transaction,” she said.
Swart said people should not count their cash in front of the ATM or while walking or sitting in an unlocked vehicle as they may be followed from the ATM. People had to be watchful of people following them after using ATMs, whether on foot or in a vehicle. If one suspected that he or she was being followed, they should go to the nearest police station.