- A spike in ATM scammers targeting tourists in the City Bowl area remains a concern.
- In the latest incident on Saturday 9 March, four men disguised as security officers tried to scam two German tourists in the Gardens area.
- The suspects, believed to be part of an ATM syndicate, were caught in action thanks to vigilant members of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District.
A spike in ATM scammers targeting tourists in the City Bowl area remains a concern. However, offenders would soon be brought to book, Cape Town Central police have warned.
In the latest incident on Saturday 9 March, four men disguised as security officers tried to scam two German tourists in the Gardens area.
Capt Ezra October, communications officer at the station, said the suspects, believed to be part of an ATM syndicate, were caught in action thanks to vigilant members of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), who saw the incident on CCTV footage.
He said the members noticed how the suspects tried to convince the tourists to swipe their bank cards on a skimming device to obtain a permit.
The officer said fraudsters tricking tourists by convincing them they need a permit to walk around in the streets in Cape Town is a growing trend.
CCID members alerted law enforcement who were on patrol in the area. They soon spotted the suspects’ vehicle in Strand Street.
October said: “They saw the suspicious-looking vehicle speed off recklessly and when the car was about to turn two suspects jumped from the vehicle and law-enforcement and CCID security officers managed to apprehend all four suspects, aged between 51 and 32 years.”
He said inside the hired vehicle officers found fake number plates, several card readers and scanning devices, security clothing and a fake security ID, along with several ATM cards.
According to October, rental vehicles are frequently used by perpetrators when committing ATM fraud.
The suspects face charges including theft, fraud, possession of stolen property and reckless and negligent driving.
October said tourists aged 50 years and older, from countries such as Europe, Asia and the United States, were particularly susceptible.
“They confront and request that the vulnerable person produce a permit for walking as pedestrians. Afterward, they take them to an ATM, using a Pos device or calculator-lookalike device to get the bank card and pin code from the victims.
“They use psychological techniques and shoulder surfing to obtain the bank card.
“After the card is in the suspect’s possession they unlawfully transact from a point-of-sale device. Money is then transferred from A to Z accounts.”
According to October, Strand, Adderley and Heerengracht Street are common areas where these crimes are committed.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, said: “Our counterparts in the private banking sector, an elite ATM crimes unit based in Johannesburg, were immediately alerted, where together we will now render further assistance to the police investigating officer and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure those arrested faced the full extent of the law.”
He said in a Facebook post one of the suspects had been arrested three times for ATM-related crimes over the last nine years, “but continued to find loopholes in the criminal justice system that always saw him continue undeterred.”
Smith added ATM scams were growing globally, although plans were in place to mitigate this. “Last year, we began working closely with the private banking sector and began receiving assistance in this regard, specifically in terms of using legislation to ensure such charges stick. For the sake of furthering our enforcement, we need to keep identities confidential, and we have professionals within the banking sector we can call on day and night should the need arise.”
The suspects appeared in court yesterday (18 March). One was granted bail while the other three will remain behind bars until their next court appearance on Tuesday 26 March.Tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Use a map and plan your route
- Consult your hotel or nearest visitor-information centre for a reliable taxi service.
- When crossing a street use a pedestrian crossing at all times.
- Do not give money to street children; if you wish to assist in a meaningful way contact your Visitor Information Centre.
- Protect yourself by being vigilant at ATMs and crowded areas.
- Do not be taken in by false information that you require a permit to walk in any of Cape Town’s streets.
