Kimberley: The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has expressed concern over a surge in ATM-related scams. Reports indicate that criminals are increasingly targeting unsuspecting community members, especially at busy cash points, prompting SAPS to issue a public warning.

According to South African Government News Agency, the police have outlined several safety guidelines for the public to follow. These include staying alert and aware of surroundings when using ATMs, keeping PINs confidential, and avoiding ATMs with blank screens or those located in poorly lit areas. Additionally, SAPS advises shielding the keypad while entering PINs and closely monitoring the card slot to prevent skimming or card-swapping.

The police further caution against accepting assistance from strangers at ATMs, highlighting that such offers may be part of scam operations. If a card is retained by an ATM, individuals are urged to contact their bank’s toll-free stop-card line immediately and not to allow others to make the call on their behalf. Security personnel at ATMs are present to deter crime and are not authorized to assist with transactions, so any issues should be directed to a bank official.

SAPS also recommends setting a daily ATM withdrawal limit for added security. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior or criminal activity to Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating these scams.