THE police in Despatch and Uitenhage are concerned about the sudden spike of ATM crimes as well as fraudelent transactions where people pay for services or items they never receive.
“We urge ATM users not to accept assistance from anyone whilst busy with a transaction. Be cautious of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you to get your card or PIN,” said Captain Gerda Swart, spokesperson of the SAPS Uitenhage Cluster.
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), on behalf of the banking industry, urges the public to be alert to surroundings at an ATM.
Do not use the ATM if there are loiterers or suspicious people in the vicinity. Also take note that fraudsters are often well dressed, well-spoken and respectable looking individuals.
If you are disturbed or interfered with, whilst 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 on all ATMs, as well as on the back of your Bank card.
Grass selling scammers are back
An old grass selling scam is surfacing again in Despatch and Uitenhage. Residents are quoted for the delivery of grass but charged far more after delivery.
Trust your instinct, if a transaction sounds too good to be true it most probably is. Use your common sense and be alert, criminals are clever and can be very persuasive. -REPORTER
