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How to protect yourself from ATM scammers

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By practicing a fair amount of vigilance, ATM users can avoid falling victim to scammers looking to swindle them of their hard-earned cash.

Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence, says, “As the festive season nears, we would like to urge ATM users to practice extra caution when using ATMs. Scammers are constantly looking for ways to defraud unsuspecting customers. However, there are important safety precautions that if followed, can lessen the chance of being a victim.”

Tips for protecting your ATM PIN

  1. Keep your ATM PIN confidential, never share it with anyone even friends and family and don’t write it down.
  2. Don’t make you PIN combination easy to guess – such as a birth date.
  3. When transacting, cover the key pad with your hand – scammers can place cameras to record your PIN as you punch it in.
  4. Stand as close as possible to the ATM and never let anyone stand close or distract you whilst transacting.
  5. Do not enter your PIN on a screen that is unfamiliar to you. Carefully read the instruction on the ATM screen before entering your PIN.

Three tips for protecting your cash

  1. Once cash has been withdrawn, immediately place this out of sight. Avoid handling cash in public view and secure your wallet and handbag before leaving the ATM
  2. Set a realistic daily limit on your banking to protect yourself, should your details be compromised and check your statements regularly and report suspicious transactions immediately. Rather use your debit card for purchases.
  3. Be wary of strangers that may call you back to the ATM to complete a transaction. They often ask for assistance or offer to assist you. Once you have completed your transaction, leave as soon as possible and avoid conversation with strangers. If you are disturbed, whilst transacting at the ATM, your card may be skimmed, by being removed and replaced back into the ATM without your knowledge. Cancel the transaction immediately.

If you suspect that your card has been lost or stolen, you can cancel it on any FNB ATM by following the prompts on-screen:

  1. Select Lost/Stolen
  2. Select Card Cancellation
  3. Key in your ID number
  4. Key in the PIN for the last card you used and select Cancel Card
  5. Select the card/s you want to cancel and your reason for cancellation
  6. Confirm cancellation of card
  7. Your card/s will be cancelled and blocked, which will prevent it from being used by anyone without your consent. However, your bank account will not be closed and you will still be able to access your account and do everyday banking transactions including cardless withdrawals using our eChannels.
  8. You can reorder your cancelled card at the ATM.

Remember:

  1. Never ask for help from strangers, even the security guard – if you are unsure, visit a nearby branch for assistance.
  2. Never force your card into the ATM – if the card is not easily accepted by the device, it may have been tampered with by criminals and never use an ATM if it looks faulty or show evidence of tampering.
  3. Pay attention to your surroundings and be alert – look out for loiterers.

“FNB has various security measures in place to ensure the safety of customers, however, we also believe customers have a role to play in the fight against ATM fraud,” adds van Zyl.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.