Plett man loses R3,000 in ATM scam
Plettenberg Bay authorities have warned residents to be cautious when using ATMs, following reports of locals having been duped out of money recently.
One of the most recent reports involved a man withdrawing money at a Plettenberg Bay ATM. Another man approached him and informed him that there was a problem with the machine and that he needed to insert his card at an angle.
It appears that in the process the stranger switched his card without the ATM user noticing.
The stranger walked off but had an accomplice who then watched as the man entered his PIN. When he selected the withdraw option, a message popped up on the ATM informing him that the card had expired.
The stranger subsequently withdrew more than R3 000 at another ATM.
Plettenberg Bay police spokesperson Captain Marlene Pieterse warned ATM users to never allow a stranger to assist them.
Police also warn against using an ATM late at night or withdrawing from isolated machines. They urge account holders not to use an ATM when alone.
Other tips include making sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you enter your card PIN, to cancel your card if the machine retains it by calling the card-stop number and not to move away from the machine before this has been done.
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News