SAPS Urges Vigilance as ATM Scams Rise Across Northern Cape Communities

In response, SAPS has reiterated key safety guidelines aimed at empowering community members and reducing opportunities for fraudsters.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has raised an alarm over the growing number of ATM-related scams being reported in the province. Authorities warn that criminals continue to target unsuspecting residents, especially at busy cash withdrawal points, exploiting distraction tactics, card-swapping methods, and skimming devices to defraud victims.

Growing Threat at Cash Points

According to SAPS, the spike in incidents is a matter of grave concern. ATMs, particularly those located in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, petrol stations, and transport hubs, have become hotspots for criminal activity. Victims are often approached by seemingly helpful strangers or distracted while withdrawing cash, only to later discover that their cards have been swapped or cloned.

Police note that these scams are not only financially damaging but also traumatic for victims, many of whom lose their entire monthly wages within minutes. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and first-time bank users, are often deliberately targeted by criminals who exploit their lack of familiarity with technology.

Safety Guidelines for ATM Users

In response, SAPS has reiterated key safety guidelines aimed at empowering community members and reducing opportunities for fraudsters. Some of the critical recommendations include:

• Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings before and after using an ATM.

• Never disclose your card or PIN to anyone, and avoid writing it down or storing it with your card.

• Insert your card only when prompted by the machine’s screen and avoid using ATMs with blank or faulty displays.

• Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas rather than secluded spots.

• Shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent prying eyes or hidden cameras from capturing your details.

• Closely inspect the card slot for unusual attachments that could indicate a skimming device.

• Do not accept help from strangers and be cautious of distractions, as criminals often operate in groups.

• If your card is retained by the ATM, contact your bank immediately using its official toll-free stop-card line. Never allow others to call on your behalf.

• Set a daily withdrawal limit with your bank for additional protection.

• Remember that security guards at ATMs are there for deterrence only and are not authorised to assist with transactions. For any problems, speak directly to a bank official.

Collective Responsibility to Report Crime

Police have also urged communities to take a proactive stance by reporting any suspicious behaviour around ATMs. Quick reporting can help prevent further crimes and assist authorities in identifying criminal networks that operate across different towns and districts.

Residents can report suspicious activity or provide tip-offs by calling the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS mobile application, which allows users to send information anonymously.

A Call for Awareness and Prevention

SAPS emphasises that prevention begins with awareness. “Criminals continue to exploit people’s trust and distractions at busy ATMs. We urge the public to be cautious and not allow themselves to be caught off guard,” the service said in a statement.

As ATM fraud remains a persistent challenge, SAPS is working closely with banking institutions to strengthen security and conduct awareness campaigns in vulnerable communities. The police also stress that reporting suspicious incidents without delay is crucial to curbing this trend before more community members fall victim.