The Din-Al-View CPF is warning residents that the holiday season is close and crime has definitely increased in the area.<\/p>\n
They urge residents to be particularly careful when using ATMs.<\/p>
When you do your transaction at the machine, read carefully what is on the screen and follow the prompts.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t select options from memory.<\/p>
Be vigilant when drawing money at any ATM.<\/p>\n
If possible, have a trustworthy friend accompany you so that you have someone watching out for you if anything happens.<\/p>\n
Look around you before approaching the ATM.<\/p>\n
Identify any suspicious loiterers.<\/p>\n
If any are present, return later and check if the same people are still loitering in the vicinity.<\/p>\n
They may be waiting for an opportunity to steal from you, or may be passing information to someone else using their cellphone.<\/p>\n
ATMs also often have a mirror above the machine, giving a view of people behind you — make use of it.<\/p>\n
Check the actual ATM before drawing or depositing money.<\/p>\n
Check to see if there is another mirror or any reflective surface that could be used to view the keypad from a distance.<\/p>\n
This is usually near the card slot.<\/p>\n
Also check for any additional attachments to the card slot \u2013 it may be a skimming device.<\/p>\n
Sometimes certain keypad buttons are jammed with a foreign object like a matchstick or pin.<\/p>\n
Avoid using this ATM, especially if the \u201ccancel\u201d key does not depress.<\/p>\n
Bits of X-ray film in the card slot can allow insertion of the card, but prevent ejection.<\/p>\n
If your card is \u201cswallowed\u201d by the ATM, do not leave the machine without phoning the bank helpline \u2013 the number is on the ATM.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t draw money at an ATM machine if there is a long queue and it does not move away from the machine.<\/p>\n
When it is your turn to draw money, see that you are the only person in front of the machine.<\/p>\n
Stand straight in front of the machine.<\/p>\n
If the people are too close ask them to please move backwards, away from you; if that does not help take your card out of the machine and call the security guard to assist.<\/p>\n
There are security guards at most shopping centres and shops.<\/p>\n
They can assist with the queues only, not transactions.<\/p>\n
If you are busy drawing money and feel uneasy, cancel the transaction immediately and go elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Do not accept assistance from anyone, even if they are security guards.<\/p>\n
If you are not sure what to do, rather go into a bank and the staff there will assist you; it will cost a bit more, but rather be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n
If anyone approaches you or attempts to touch the keypad during your transaction, press the cancel button.<\/p>\n
Do not write your PIN on a piece of paper that someone could obtain, or on your card.<\/p>\n
If you are depositing money, ensure you have the money ready to put into the machine before you approach the machine.<\/p>\n
If you are drawing money count it in front of you while you are at the machine and immediately put it into your wallet.<\/p>\n
Walk away from the ATM by a circuitous route, and check if anyone is following.<\/p>\n
Possibly enter a shop and leave immediately to detect followers.<\/p>\n
Keep your daily withdrawal limit as low as practical; if your card is stolen, the thief will be able to draw only that amount.<\/p>\n
If you need a larger amount you can change the limit at the ATM and, once having done so, decrease the limit immediately after the transaction.<\/p>\n
It is quick and easy to do if this option is available.<\/p>\n
Do your normal banking via online banking or cellphone banking.<\/p>\n
That way avoids the use of any ATM.<\/p>\n
If you usually receive SMS notifications or requests for transaction verification on you cellphone, be very suspicious if you receive many calls that are cancelled by the caller.<\/p>\n
They may want you to switch your phone off in frustration, so they can perform a SIM swop and have access to your cellphone messages.<\/p>\n
Stay safe and be extra vigilant over this festive season.<\/p>\n
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Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n
\u2018Silly season\u2019 is approaching be especially vigilant says CPF<\/a><\/p>\n CPF urges residents to park vehicles inside their properties<\/a><\/p>\n