THE South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has urged South Africans to keep a close eye on their plastic money with card fraudsters on the move.
According to the organisation, the banking industry’s gross fraud losses have increased dramatically by nearly R100-million in the last year – from R366-million in 2013 to R453.9-million this year.
But it appears the City of uMhlathuze has sidestepped the surging card crime figures.
Both Richards Bay and Empangeni police say the two towns have actually seen a definite decline in card fraud cases this year.
‘We’ve experienced a surprising drop in card fraud reports,’ said Empangeni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose.
‘I believe Zululanders have simply become more card smart.’
But Zululand Business Against Crime Manager Dave Whittaker warned that people should not be quick to heave a sigh of relief.
‘There are hundreds of card syndicates in this country and Zululand is no exception,’ said Whittaker.
‘They commit card skimming, card swaps and card-not-present fraud – the latter allowing them to do transactions online without requiring your plastic.
‘It’s an easy way for them to make money without conflict and violence.’
Guard your card
Whittaker suggests maintaining strict supervision over cards.
‘Watch them like a hawk.
‘Have mobile debit card machines (speed points) brought to you to make transactions or pay at counters.
‘Cover your hand when entering pins at ATMs. Be especially cautious at ATMs after hours with less security around.
‘It is always safer to draw money inside centres and supermarkets where there is more activity.
‘And the absolute only way to talk to bankers is by walking through their doors or going on their official website. Never click on links or share banking details over a phone.’
KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 9% of the country’s gross fraud loss, with costs having increased from R13.5-million last year to R15.9-million this year.
