The move to plastic-based banking products is dramatically increasing, fuelled by the need to bank the previously underbanked and to fulfil the requirements of the financial services charter. However, the increased usage of cards at ATMs has also led criminals to explore new scams that can be used to access consumers` hard earned cash.
In an effort to reduce fraud, First National Bank has launched FNB ATM Security Week, which runs from 16 to 22 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.
CEO of Self Service Channel at FNB, Mike Arnold, says: "FNB ATM Security Week will benefit all South Africans who have a need to use ATMs. By increasing public awareness around ATM security issues, we will ultimately go a long way towards disarming the criminals. Knowledge provides the armour that consumers can use to protect themselves from criminal minds."
Arnold says there is no doubt that ATM usage is on the increase. "At FNB, approximately 4 million people transact on our ATMs per week and this continues to grow as we roll-out FNB Mini ATMs to previously underserviced areas."
While FNB has many initiatives under way to take banking products and services to the previously underbanked, there is also a great need for education. Many people using this infrastructure are illiterate and rely on getting help from strangers to conduct a transaction. This instantly makes them a target for fraudsters.
A PIN number is the key to accessing any account, and this should be kept safe and secret at all times, adds Arnold. "This number should never be disclosed to anyone, not even a bank official. We also advise that customers use one hand to cover the keypad while entering their PIN to ensure that no one can observe the number being entered. Customers who require assistance should ask for help inside the bank.
"Consumers work hard for their money, and we want to help them keep it safe. At FNB we strive to stay one step ahead of the criminals and in this way alert our customers to the latest scams. Some new tricks that customers need to watch out for are card swapping, a technique where distraction is used to swap a card or card skimming, where a fraudster swipes a card through a device, thereby copying the details. Ultimately customers should be aware at all times and never trust anyone.
"Through FNB ATM Security Week, we trust that South African consumers will become more aware of their surroundings, and increasingly be able to identify threatening situations before they are taken advantage of. The tips and advice given this week will help make ATM usage safe and convenient," Arnold concludes.
General security tips for ATM users
* Do not force your card into the card slot.
* Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as a shield to ensure nobody sees you keying in your PIN.
* Make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap or take your card.
* Follow the instructions on the ATM screen carefully.
* Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
* Only put in your PIN when the ATM tells you to do so.
* Avoid using ATMs in secluded areas after dark, especially if you are alone.
* Make sure you are not distracted, intimidated or rushed into your transaction.
* Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. Always be wary of strangers asking for help. While one distracts you the other steals your card and money.
* Always cancel your card immediately if the ATM swallows it.
* Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free number on your behalf - they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
* Always check that it is your card you get back from the ATM.
* Always check the ATM for anything unusual - if you see anything out of the ordinary rather use another FNB ATM.
First National Bank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited.
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