Standard Bank has warned South Africans to be on alert over the festive period, with fraudsters intensifying their tactics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standard Bank\u2019s Fraud Risk Management team has observed several methods used to deceive ATM users, especially vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those unfamiliar with other languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A common scam sees ATM language settings altered to confuse users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another scam sees fraudsters activating the \u201ccardless function\u201d to disorient customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A frequent tactic, especially during busy periods like the festive season, is jamming card slots or PIN pads to steal cards or money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese methods are designed to create confusion and make it easier for fraudsters to steal people\u2019s cards or money,\u201d said Athaly Khan, Head of Fraud Risk Management at Standard Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khan also highlighted \u201cshoulder surfing,\u201d where a criminal watches someone enter their PIN to steal it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just at ATMs \u2013 beware anywhere you use your bank card or enter sensitive information.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also advised customers to always be aware of signs of tampering on ATMs or point-of-sale devices, as card skimming incidents have been reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vishing on the rise <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Khan also said that fraud rises across the board during the festive season, particularly ATM fraud, credit card scams, and especially vishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vishing sees fraudsters use phone calls or voice messages to trick people into sharing personal information, including bank details or passwords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This scam often targets vulnerable individuals, as fraudsters pose as bank officials, tax agents or investment firms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They trick victims into taking actions that jeopardize the safety of their bank accounts, often claiming that the account is at risk and urging them to transfer their money to a different account for \u201csafekeeping\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA growing concern is victims approving one-time passwords (OTPs), which gives fraudsters access to their accounts. We advise customers to never share their credentials or transfer money at anyone’s request, even if they claim to be from their bank,\u201d said Khan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to protecting yourself from fraud, Standard Bank gave the following tips: <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n