Protect your cash from ATM con artists

6 March, 2005 - Sowetan

The Ombudsman for Banking Services says:

  • Never allow anyone to stand near you or help you at an ATM.

  • Never enter your PIN unless the ATM screen prompts you to do so.

  • Criminals involved in ATM scams generally come across as well dressed and friendly. They are trying to convince you to trust them.

  • Avoid using an ATM that does not easily accept your card on the first attempt.

  • Only use ATMs in safe, well-lit areas.

  • Immediately report a card retained by an ATM for any reason

  • ATM scammers use sleight-of-hand techniques to obtain your card. They might try to convince you that your card is in the ATM while the fraudster or accomplice observes you entering your PIN code.

  • Balance your cash needs against the risk you are prepared to accept when arranging a daily ATM withdrawal limit.

  • Allow your card to be scanned only by recognised devices at merchants or banks. Keep your card in sight at all times. Do not allow your card to be scanned if you are not making a transaction on your account.


    • Tips on using credit and debit cards:
  • Always know where your credit card is and treat it the same way as you treat cash.

  • Make sure you have signed your credit card

  • Check your statement regularly. You have a limited time to dispute fraudulent transactions. Inform the bank in writing if you change your address, even temporarily.

  • Report the loss of your card immediately to the bank.

  • Do not count on your signature to protect you from fraud because your signature can be forged. The signature on the fraudulent vouchers can only be compared with the signature on the card itself if it is recovered.

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