THE police in Uitenhage wish to warn the community to be alert at all times and to be careful when withdrawing cash at ATM’s in their area.
Incidents were reported in which cards were stolen and cash withdrawals’ were made without the owners knowing about it.
The following general safety hints are provided as a guideline:
•Avoid isolated ATMs and using the ATM late at night or very early in the morning.
•Never allow strangers to assist you.
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• Don’t be distracted, intimidated, or hurried into your transaction.
•Never let a stranger touch your card. He/She may have already seen your PIN and is trying to switch your card.
•It is advisable not to insert your card until instructed to do so by the display screen.
•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.
•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 provided by the bank.
•Ensure that your own card is returned after the transaction.
•Don’t count your cash in front of the ATM or while walking or sitting in an unlocked vehicle as you may be followed from an ATM.
•Be watchful of people following you after you have withdrawn your money (on foot or vehicle).
•If you suspect that you are being followed, get yourself to the nearest police station.
