FNB educates its customers on ATM crime

The move to plastic-based banking products is increasing dramatically, fuelled by the need to bank the previously underbanked and fulfil the requirements of the financial sector charter, says First National Bank (FNB).

As bank card usage increases, so does the incidence of ATM crime, says the bank.

In an effort to reduce fraud, the bank is running its second annual FNB ATM Security Week, which runs from 15 to 21 August and aims to help educate consumers on ATM crime. The week will highlight the tactics used by criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting ATM users and teach consumers how to better protect themselves against ATM crime.

There is no doubt ATM usage is on the increase, says Mike Arnold, CEO of the self-service channel at FNB. "At FNB, approximately four million people transact on our ATMs per week and this continues to grow as we roll-out FNB Mini ATMs to previously underserviced areas.

"FNB ATM Security Week benefits all South Africans who use ATMs. By increasing public awareness on ATM security issues, we will go a long way towards disarming the criminals. Knowledge provides the armour that consumers can use to protect themselves from criminal minds."

For more information on ATM security, go to www.fnb.co.za.