THE dangers of drawing cash from an ATM in a public space were brought home forcefully for a Richards Bay woman whose account was cleared out after a ‘malfunction’ last Wednesday.
Larischa France-Brotherton attempted to access funds from the FNB ATM at the popular BP Garage at the west end of Bullion Boulevard after topping up with fuel.
After waiting for a man to finish his transaction, Larischa approached and inserted her card and responded to the PIN number prompt.
‘Upon entering it the screen returned to the main menu. I pressed ‘cancel’ numerous times, but nothing I did helped.
‘Another gentleman heard me complaining and he approached me to offer his ‘assistance’, repeatedly telling me to enter my pin and the card would return.
‘I continued to press the cancel button in the hopes of retrieving my card and the man got quite arrogant and pushy.
‘I told him to leave me alone and to step back from the machine, and continued to try get my card to return.
‘However the ATM screen remained on the main menu that says ‘please insert card’.’
Larischa eventually stopped trying and reported to the garage shop where she was told the ATM was not the responsibility of the garage.
‘I returned to my office around the corner and before I had even stopped the car, I received an SMS notifying me that the remaining funds, to the limit, had been withdrawn from my account.
‘I am not unique in this experience as another member of staff was also defrauded of cash at the same ATM and I know of other victims.
‘I think it is important that the Richards Bay community is made aware that this machine has been targeted for ATM fraud.’
Responses
Business Manager for the two BP Garage sites in Bullion Boulevard, John Driscoe admitted it was difficult guaranteeing ATM safety in an open area, even though it is monitored and ‘unwelcome customers’ are carefully watched.
‘Irrespective of warnings posted at the ATMs for clients, their safety and convenience is our concern and we are continually upgrading the technology to try and combat such fraud.
‘In fact, a new machine has been installed there. However, thieves are slick operators and devise new ways to foil more sophisticated set-ups.
‘Our CCTV footage at the forecourt will always be available to complainants and police.’
Driscoe said all card holders should ensure they have maximum daily withdrawal limits, so that accounts cannot be cleaned out.
This was supported by FNB Richards Bay Branch Manager Garry Smith, who added that without a daily limit, a default of R1 500 maximum withdrawal was enforced.
‘My advice in such a situation is to immediately phone the call centre number on the ATM and remain there until the card is stopped immediately.
‘If necessary, call 10111 if you feel threatened.
‘Public recourse after being robbed is to fill in the necessary documents at the bank and go through the normal claim process.’
