Watch your back at the ATM

GEORGE NEWS - Residents and visitors to George are reminded to be extra vigilant when using ATMs as ATM scams and robberies have seen an increase in George.

"These criminals have a huge success rate mainly because their victims are caught off guard," says Rupert Pretorius, chairperson of the George Community Police Forum.

"This happens so fast that victims do not even realise that they have been robbed until it is far too late and suspects are long gone."

Three incidents of ATM scamming or robberies took place in major shopping centres in and around George in the past week.

"Although we have had successful arrests on ATM suspects, there is still a great deal to be done," said Pretorius.

As late as Monday morning, George Herald received a call from a concerned citizen who was robbed at an ATM on Saturday evening.

According to the victim, she had her card in the ATM and was distracted by a person who "was trying to help her" as she struggled to complete her transaction. Within seconds her card was gone. The incident was reported to the police and the relevant bank.

"I know I probably won't get my money back, but I just feel that I need to warn people. You can't be too careful these days," she said.

ATM criminals' modus operandi

They normally leave a town as soon as they are successful and move on to another town
Any person is a potential victim to them, no matter the age, race or gender
They operate in groups of two to four suspects
They monitor an area's ATM and plan their approach and escape route
They choose their victims carefully
They are well dressed, male and female
Their routines are properly practised and are executed in the blink of an eye

Don't become a victim

Never allow anyone to assist you at an ATM
Read rule no 1 again!
Be vigilant when approaching an ATM, especially when you are alone
Criminals wait close to the ATM and pretend to be busy on their phones
If you suspect that you are being watched, rather move away, call the security guard or find another ATM
Should you become a victim, report it immediately, as these criminals have the ability to empty your bank account within minutes
The first call should be to your bank to stop all card transactions, then the police and your CPF or local neighbourhood watch
Please ensure that you have set a limit on all your cards - this may prevent excess loss from your accounts when scammed