Lwandle police have issued a warning to residents to be vigilant when using ATMs in the precinct.
This after recent reports of fraudulant activities at ATMs have surfaced. Police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama said most reported incidents allegedly occurred at a shopping centre located along the N2 highway.
“Individuals posing as police detectives, identified by unverified appointment cards, have apparently approached community members and illegally withdrawn funds under the guise of investigating their accounts,” he said.
“These individuals often operate from unmarked vehicles.”
Gama added that reports from victims indicate incidents where deposited funds disappear from money markets, the funds are possibly transferred to unauthorised accounts through compromised ATMs. He said the perpetrators are possibly using cloned cards.
“Additionally, account holders have received notifications of unauthorised withdrawals, suggesting potential tampering with ATM equipment,” Gama pointed out.
Lwandle police urged residents to prioritise their safety and financial security when using ATMs, sharing these tips:
- consider using ATMs located at bank branches or in well-lit, populated areas;
- avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated locations;
- set transaction limits on your account;
- use the additional security features offered by your bank, such as the two-factor authentication; and
- if you witness suspicious activity that may be related to ATM fraud, do not hesitate to immediately contact the Lwandle Police Station on 021 845 2060.
