INCIDENTS of bank card theft outside ATMs at shopping centres in Richards Bay have come under the spotlight after several such occurrences were reported in the Central Business District.
According to Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira, criminals continue to approach victims while they are withdrawing money at ATMs, interrupting them with the purpose of stealing their cards.
A group was spotted targeting victims at the Lakeside Shopping Centre, but were quickly intercepted and the police alerted.
As fraudsters often masquerade as friendly passers-by claiming to offer you assistance at an ATM, Ferreira advised the public to refrain from asking for help or receiving help from strangers.
‘When the perpetrators are identified or approached by security personnel, they move to another location and proceed to target unsuspecting consumers.
‘Victims become confused and the suspects will swap the bank card and quickly visit another ATM to withdraw the victim’s cash,’ Ferreira said.
‘If a group is noticed loitering near an ATM, do not proceed with your transactions but use another location for your withdrawal or a cash back facility at a supermarket teller.
‘Always go with another person if possible to keep watch and avoid distractions while you focus on your transaction.
‘If you are a victim of card fraud, alert security personnel at the shopping centres and also open a case at the police station,’ said Ferreira.
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