Confed Cup: bank clients warned

Johannesburg. - Bank customers have been urged not to compromise their security when doing banking transactions during the Confederations Cup, the SA Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) said on Wednesday.

"The banking industry expects increased consumer activity during the Confederations Cup soccer tournament and urges the public to take heed of the safety messages that are constantly provided to them," Sabric said in a statement.

According to its CEO Kalyani Pillay, increased activity at banks was expected - especially in the five host cities.

"It is not unreasonable to anticipate that criminals will seek to exploit this busy period to commit crime.

"Criminal attempts are often seen to be aligned to peaks in consumer spend, such as that which is generally experienced during the December period."

She said it was "absolutely crucial" for the public to ensure that they did not make themselves easy targets.

Sabric offered the following advice to avoid falling victim to bank related crime:

• At an ATM, remain aware of your surroundings without allowing anything or anyone to distract you while doing your ATM banking.
• Approach an ATM only under the right conditions for your own security, be alert and conscious of your surroundings.
• Choose a familiar and well-lit ATM where you are more visible and safe.
• Scan the area for suspicious-looking characters before you approach the ATM.
• If you think the ATM is faulty cancel the transaction at once, report the fault to your bank and try another ATM to transact
• Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM to avoid opening your purse, bag or wallet while in the queue.
• Be cautious of strangers offering to help as they could be trying to distract you in order to get your card or PIN details.
• Report suspicious items or people around ATMs, even faults.
• Do not ask anyone to assist you with your ATM transaction, not even the security guarding the ATM or a bank official.

Sabric head of commercial crime, Susan Coetsee, said banks had a commitment to ensure that bank clients and visitors had a pleasant banking experience during the Confederations Cup.

"The South African banks have, through Sabric, identified areas that require special attention and have developed inter-bank strategies to mitigate associated risks," she said.

The provision of adequate bank crime prevention information was one of the strategies emanating from this initiative.

Sabric together with its partners would be distributing safe banking tips in brochures in the languages of the countries that will be taking part in the tournament, Coetsee said.

"This information will be made available to visitors arriving at OR Tambo International Airport."

- Sapa