Tips on safe swiping and hassle free ATM use

Staff Writer | Friday December 18, 2015 14:45

Be it home invasions, petty theft in public places, or banking fraud, it is advisable to be extra cautious with your belongings including your money.

During the festive season, we are most vulnerable as banking users to scammers and fraudsters, as crime including financial crime, increases. Below, we share a few basic ATM use and shopping safety tips.

* Never give your card to someone at an ATM for any reason, especially those who claim to assist you even if they appear to be a bank official or security personnel.

*  Beware of people standing close to you when you are making use of the ATM.

*  Ensure you hide your PIN when keying it into an ATM. Nobody has any reason to see your PIN, even for seemingly official purposes.

*  Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged.

*  Always use an ATM in a well-lit area.

*  Ensure your card never leaves your sight, even when paying. If the person needs to use a different machine, always accompany that person.

*  Ensure that your card is not swapped for another card after paying.

*  Use cash instead of your card if you have any suspicions.

*  Monitor you bank statements for any unusual transactions.

*  If married and using the same account, reconcile your account transactions with your spouse on a regular basis.

As with any and all safety measures, it’s best to empower yourself through education and vigilance.

Stay on top of how and when to use your bank card and your cash, and you are already helping yourself avoid an unfortunate situation.

Sometimes, it’s the most simple thing that can spell the difference between an enjoyable festive season and one fraught with police reports and fraud investigations.

And who has time for those?

*This is a consumer education piece from Stanbic Bank Botswana