Standard Bank has introduced screens on its automatic teller machines (ATMs) that warn you if the machine has been tampered with and these machines will shut down automatically.
So far, over 2 000 cash dispensing machines throughout the country have been modified.
Brian McLean, the director of direct operations at Standard Bank, says an on-screen ATM message and graphic will warn you that the machine may have been vandalised. In addition, the ATM will shut down for a pre-determined period. It will then open again and if a valid card is inserted, you will be able to do your transaction.
If not, the machine shuts down and remains shut until a Standard Bank technician checks it.
McLean warns that while these changes will reduce crime, consumer vigilance is still the greatest deterrent.
Meanwhile, Absa has made system changes to ATMs following incidents where criminals use the new prepaid cellular function on its ATMs to distract customers to steal bank cards, personal identity numbers (PINs) and cash.
Neline Swanepoel, the project support manager at Absa, says fraudsters access an ATM, using an already stolen ATM card and PIN, before you approach. When you arrive at the ATM, the screen offering the cellular prepaid service will be displayed and, because the screen is unfamiliar to most customers, the criminals use the opportunity to "assist" and distract you. In the confusion, some customers type in their PINs at the fraudsters' urging. The fraudsters also swap your card and withdraw funds from your account at another ATM.
Swanepoel advises you to be on your guard and to carefully read the screens, only inserting your card when asked to do so.