Awareness campaign and safety tips when using an ATM

Awareness campaign and safety tips when using an ATM
Awareness campaign and safety tips when using an ATM. Photo: SAPS

Aliwal North Crime Prevention and Communication members conducted an awareness campaign on safety tips when using an ATM.

  • Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.
  • -Never give your card or PIN to anyone, for any reason.
  • Don’t write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card.
  • Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
  • Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.
  • -Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.
  • Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap or take your card.
  • Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.
  • Criminals work in teams- one to distract you while the other steals your card or money.
  • If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM it is advisable to phone your bank toll free stop card line immediately and stop your card.
  • Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf- they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
  • Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions.
  • If you need help, ask a bank official.
  • It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.
SOURCESouth African Police Service