Two incidents of theft and fraud have rocked the small town of Meyerton this week, leaving locals shocked and concerned for their safety. On 24 February at 10:10 am, a client of Nedbank in Meyerton was robbed of their wages inside the bank. According to witnesses, the robbery happened quickly and without warning, leaving those inside the bank reeling. The only evidence of the crime was the presence of three ambulances outside the bank, tending to those who had fainted from the shock of the incident.
The brazen robbery has left the community on edge, with many wondering how such a crime could occur in broad daylight and inside a bank. Meyerton Nedbank has yet to release a statement regarding the incident, but local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This is not the only incident of theft to occur in Meyerton this week. On 23 February, an elderly couple had their bank card cloned while filling up at the Meyerton Sasol garage. Within seconds, R3700 was withdrawn from their account. Witnesses reported seeing the cloner driving a silver Mercedes Benz with no number plates.
The incidents have highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security measures in Meyerton. Authorities are urging locals to be cautious when using their bank cards and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. As the investigation continues, many are hoping that those responsible for these crimes will be brought to justice soon.
Here are some tips for being vigilant at ATMs:
Choose an ATM in a well-lit, public area: Avoid using ATMs in secluded or poorly-lit areas, as these locations can make you an easy target for criminals.
Keep an eye out for suspicious activity: If someone is lingering around the ATM or appears to be watching you, cancel the transaction and leave immediately. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Cover the keypad when entering your PIN: This will prevent anyone from stealing your PIN, which can be used to access your bank account.
Don't let anyone help you: Some criminals will offer to help you with your transaction, only to steal your card or cash when you're not looking. Be wary of anyone who tries to offer assistance.
Check the ATM for any signs of tampering: If the card reader, or keypad looks loose, damaged or different from usual, don't use the ATM and report it to the bank immediately.
Don't count your cash in public: Count your money and put it away safely before leaving the ATM. Don't let anyone see how much cash you have on you.
Be aware of skimming devices: Skimming devices can be attached to ATMs to steal your card details. Always check for any unusual attachments or devices before using the ATM.
By following these tips, you can help keep yourself safe and secure when using ATMs. Remember to always trust your instincts and be cautious when using these machines.