Staff Reporter
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), is urging members of the public to remain vigilant when conducting transactions using portable Point-of-Sale (POS) or PIN pad devices.
The police warn that criminals may abuse portable PIN pad transactions to obtain banking information or manipulate transactions unlawfully.
Members of the public are therefore urged to exercise caution and ensure that their bank cards remain in their possession throughout the transaction.
The following safety precautions are recommended when making payments:
- Do not hand your bank card to an unknown person or allow your card to be taken out of your sight.
- Personally enter your PIN and ensure that the keypad is shielded from the view of others.
- Carefully verify the amount displayed on the PIN pad before authorising the transaction.
- Ensure that the device being used is legitimate and that the transaction is processed in your presence.
- Do not accept assistance from strangers when entering your PIN.
- Retain and check transaction receipts and electronic notifications, and report any discrepancies immediately.
- Immediately report a lost, stolen or suspiciously used bank card to your bank.
Members of the public are further cautioned to remain alert to suspicious behaviour, tampered devices or attempts by individuals to distract them while conducting transactions.
Any suspected fraudulent activity should be reported immediately to the relevant financial institution and, where applicable, to the South African Police Service.
In cases involving extortion, incidents can be reported to the National Extortion Hotline on 0800 911 011.
Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the prevention of commercial crimes and scams remains a priority for the SAPS and it is against this backdrop that communities at large are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour and criminal activities.
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