A Phoenix woman raised the alarm after she was allegedly defrauded of R2 000 at an ATM inside a supermarket at the Phoenix Plaza
Image: File Photo
RESIDENTS of Phoenix are urged to remain vigilant as a syndicate is reportedly using card swallowing devices at ATMs in shopping centres, leading to significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
A Phoenix woman raised the alarm after she was allegedly defrauded of R2 000 at an ATM inside a supermarket at the Phoenix Plaza on Sunday.
She reported the incident to the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF.
The claimed that she had gone to buy groceries and decided to use the ATM first, but her card was swallowed.
“The security guard was right next to the ATM the entire time. There were two men at one ATM so I used the other one. I inserted my card and it was swallowed. The two men at the other ATM immediately left the store.
“The security guard along with another staff member then rushed to me to tell me that those two men had just tampered with the ATM machines and were about to take out all the money that was in my account. They said that I should immediately block my card on the banking app.
“I went on my banking app to block the card within seconds but they had already withdrawn R2 000.
“After blocking the card I received an SMS indicating that another withdrawal of R4 000 was declined,” the woman added in her report to the CPF.
She said she was upset because the security guard and staff members knew what was going to happen even before she had used the ATM.
“They said they were scared to tell me anything before because the alleged suspects did this daily and threatened them if they interfere. I also spoke to the manager of the store and his attitude towards the situation was so ignorant. He did not care about what happened.
“He told me to go report it and that there was nothing he could do. All I kept thinking about was the older people who go there to withdraw their grant money.
“The manager even stated that this always happens like it was nothing for him to be concerned about. I have reported the matter and got a case number from my bank.
“I am disappointed that the manager did not speak to the security guard or the staff member that approached me claiming cases like this always happened at the store. They all knew it was going to happen before it happened,” her report read.
Val Pillay, spokesperson for the Phoenix CPF, said they were issuing an urgent warning to residents due to an increase in ATM fraud and card theft.
“We have noted an increase in criminal activity involving ATM fraud and card theft within the community, particularly at shopping centres.
“We have received a concerning report from a community member regarding an incident at a supermarket in Phoenix Plaza, where suspects allegedly tampered with ATM machines. The victim’s bank card was swallowed, and within moments, unauthorised withdrawals were made from her account.
“Of serious concern is the allegation that this type of criminal activity is occurring frequently at the same location, placing many residents - especially elderly individuals and social grant recipients - at significant risk.
“The CPF urges all community members to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant at all times when conducting financial transactions,” Pillay said.
She said they advised residents to avoid using ATMs, especially those located inside stores where suspicious individuals may be present.
“Residents should never accept assistance from strangers at ATMs under any circumstances. They must be aware of their surroundings and immediately cancel any transaction if they feel unsafe.
“Bank account holders should also regularly monitor your bank account and activate banking alerts where possible. Residents should consider safer alternatives such as cashback options at retail tills.
“We also advise people to always keep their bank's emergency number on speed dial to immediately cancel or block your card if their accounts have been compromised. If one is forced to use an ATM, then they should try to have a trusted person accompany them,” Pillay said.
She said the CPF called on businesses and security personnel to take greater responsibility in protecting customers by reporting suspicious activity immediately and ensuring that known risks are addressed proactively.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage residents to report any suspicious behaviour to their nearest police station or the CPF or Call 08600 10111,” she added.