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ATM Fraud
When you use an ATM, it is important to always be alert and aware of your surroundings so you do not compromise your card or PIN. Shoulder surfing and card swapping are just some of the dangers you face when transacting at an ATM. Protecting yourself starts with being aware of how and when you are targeted.
Fraudsters seem like the friendliest people
Fraudsters often masquerade as friendly people passing by offering you assistance at an ATM. The truth is that it's all part of a careful ruse to confuse you and steal your information. Some of their strategies include the following:
- Shoulder surfing happens when someone stands close enough to watch as you enter your PIN.
- Card swapping happens when a fraudster distracts you while swapping your card with a card so similar that you can't tell the difference.
- Card trapping happens when fraudsters insert trapping devices into an ATM or self-service terminal card slot, preventing your card from being returned to you. While you try to get your card back, an accomplice, pretending to be a random passer-by, offers to help you. He or she will ask you to put in your PIN again, making note of the numbers, and watch you walk away in frustration as your card remains in the machine. The fraudster will then remove your card from the machine and make withdrawals from your account.
Tips to avoid ATM fraud
- Assess the ATM and its surrounding area. Make sure your ATM is in a well-lit area and that no one is loitering around the machine.
- Have your ATM card ready. Have your ATM card ready when you approach the machine to avoid opening your wallet while waiting in the queue.
- Don't be distracted. Don't let anyone or anything distract you while you are busy transacting, not even friendly people who offer to help or ask for the time or directions.
- Know what an ATM should look like. If you know how an ATM is supposed to look like you will be better able to identify any foreign objects attached to it. Make sure the card slot hasn't been tampered with. In fact, never force your card into the ATM slot. Rather use another machine.
- Watch out for hoaxes. Keying in your PIN backwards at an ATM will not call the police. These are clever scams to get you to reveal your PIN.
- Nedbank is on call. If you suspect foul play or if your card has been retained by an ATM, call the tollfree number 0800 000 115 or the Nedbank Help Desk on 24081251.