The next time you are out to draw money, be careful, as ATM fraud is currently on the rise in South Africa, according to an article in the Cape Times.
Criminals have become clever with their fraudulent techniques, and you could be a victim of ATM fraud without realising it. Sometimes they attach a skimming device to the ATM card slot to record the card’s details, including the PIN, without you even knowing.
In order to avoid ATM fraud, you needs to be vigilant when drawing money. Here are a few tips to prevent something like this from happening:
• Choose your ATMs carefully – make sure the ATM is situated in a visible place
• Be wary of strangers around you, especially those who are standing close to the ATM
• Use your free hand as a shield when keying in your PIN
• Sign up with your bank to receive text messages which notify you when your account has been accessed
• Set a low daily withdrawal limit on your account, but note that this limit is not always applicable to purchases.
Most bank websites have security centres, which aim to protect the security of their users and their personal information. The security centres highlight issues such as fraud and scams, as well as tips for secure online banking. Click on this link to view First National Bank’s security centre.
Be especially vigilant this festive season, as thieves tend to target more ATM users around Christmas time.
