Protect yourself against ATM fraud
Incidents of credit card fraud continue to rise as criminals target unsuspecting citizens at ATMs to clone, skim or swap their bank cards to gain access to their bank accounts.
Card Not Present (CNP) fraud, which involves fraudsters memorising or copying one’s card information and then using it for fraudulent transactions online or over the phone even though the card is still in your possession, is another major concern.
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira, confirmed that cases have been opened where victims believed their cards were ‘swallowed’ at ATMs, but later found that large sums of money had been withdrawn.
‘Card cloning is still prevalent and occurs when a bank card’s magnetic strip is copied and then placed on a duplicate card,’ said Ferreira.
‘The cloned card can then be used to make purchases at point-of-sale devices, and if your personal identification number (PIN) has also been obtained, can be used to make withdrawals at ATMs.
‘The process of copying a card’s magnetic strip is known as skimming. The card is swiped through a skimming device similar to those found at points-of-sale.
‘At ATMs, fraudsters distract you or notice you are experiencing difficulty and might offer to help you insert your card, only to pocket it as they watch you enter your PIN, and then claim your card has been ‘swallowed’ Ferreira said.
‘Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and if someone interrupts you, cancel the transaction, remove your card and leave immediately.
‘It is always safer to go to an ATM with someone who can keep a watchful eye.
‘With CNP fraud it can happen without the card or cardholder being present, so citizens must stay alert when using their cards and not let them out of their sight when making payments.
‘As the country battles with the Covid-19 lockdown, criminals will not be taking a break and the public must remain vigilant about scams and fraud at all times.’ Tips to stay safe
Avoid ATMs that are dimly lit or surrounded by loiterers, and never allow your children to draw money using your card, since they are the most vulnerable to perpetrators.
Steer clear of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you to get your card or PIN.
Be alert to your surroundings. Do not use an ATM if there are loiterers or suspicious people in the vicinity. Also take note that fraudsters are often well dressed, wellspoken and respectable looking individuals.
If you are disturbed or interfered with while transacting at the ATM, your card may be skimmed by being removed and replaced back into the ATM without your knowledge. Cancel the transaction immediately and report the incident using your Bank’s Stop Card toll free number which is displayed at all ATMs, as well as on the back of your bank card.
Never force your card into the slot as it might have been tampered with.
Do not insert your card if the screen layout is not familiar to you and it looks like the machine has been tampered with.
Don’t use ATMs where the card slot, keypad or screen has been tampered with. It could be an attempt to get hold of your card.
Some fraudsters wait until you’ve drawn your cash to take advantage. Be wary of people loitering around the ATM and ensure that you are not followed.
Set a daily withdrawal limit that suits your needs to protect yourself in the event that your card and PIN have been compromised.