A tourist in Cape Town was swindled out of R39 000 by ATM fraudsters.
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The incident occurred at around 7:46pm on Friday when a mobile CCID public safety officer (PSO) noticed a disoriented man on the corner of Riebeeck and Adderley Street. The man reportedly told the PSO that three men dressed in security uniforms told him that he needed a permit to move around the city, and they offered to assist him in obtaining the permit at an ATM.
According to the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), these fraudsters convince visitors that they need to pay for a permit to walk in the CBD. The supposed permits can then be withdrawn from ATMs.
Moments after the encounter, the man got a notification that R39 000 has been withdrawn from his account. As per the CCID, ATM fraudsters typically watch as their victims type in their PIN and either swap or steal their bank card to withdraw large amounts of cash.
The PSO advised the man to open a case at a police station and to block his card.
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The CCID urges the public not to fall for this deceit, even if the swindlers are well-dressed or look like security guards. ‘Please be vigilant and alert friends and loved ones that they do not need permits in town.’
To report any suspicious activity or safety concerns, contact the CCID’s 24-hour control centre at 082 415 7127.
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