South Africans, beware: ATM- and phone-related scams are on the rise, warns Capitec.
In recent months, fraudsters have been carrying out elaborate schemes to con money out of unsuspecting victims. These include harnessing artificial intelligence to create phishing emails and SMSes.
According to Capitec, these criminals are now resorting to two methods as 2026 gets underway.
ATM FRAUD
Per BusinessTech, the bank explained that scammers are employing distraction techniques while you’re at an ATM.
For example, if you’re using an ATM, the scammer – in the guise of a helpful passerby or someone standing in the queue – will offer to assist you.
Despite their seemingly good intentions, this gives them the opening to steal your PIN number.
Another example is when fraudsters work in groups to pilfer your bank card: while one “kindly stranger” is helping you at the ATM, another will take advantage of the distraction to swap your card with someone else’s.
VOICE PHISHING SCAMS
In the case of phone scams, also known as voice phishing, fraudsters will pretend to be bank officials.
They will then phone you with the express purpose of stealing your banking details and gaining access to your accounts.
To do so, they might ask you to authorise a refund or pay a levy on a so-called debit order.
Alternatively, they will try to instil panic by lying about suspicious activity found on your debit account. By scaring you and subsequently gaining your trust, you will feel impelled to share your banking details at their request.
STAY SAFE AGAINST THESE SCAMS
Per a recent Consumer Pulse Study conducted by TransUnion, approximately 59% of consumers were targeted by fraud attempts. Of this statistic, 12% were negatively impacted by these attempts.
- To safeguard yourself against these scams, Capitec advises the following:
- Don’t let anyone assist you at the ATM. Seek help from a bank branch official instead.
- Cover the ATM keypad when inputting your PIN number.
- Ensure that the bank card coming out of the machine is yours.
- Don’t use an ATM if its card slot, keypad or screen has been tampered with.
- If someone calls and asks you to sign in to your online banking profile or banking app to reverse debit orders or stop fraud, hang up and call your bank immediately.
- Never share your banking details with anyone on the phone, even if the “bank official” on the other end insists.
- Keep in mind that banks will never ask you to make a cash transaction or approve a transaction to stop fraud.
Click here for more tips on curbing bank fraud and scammers.
If you do encounter or fall victim to these scams, notify your bank and report them to your nearest police station immediately.
