TIPS TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF CASH ROBBERIES FOR INDIVIDUALS. If you need to pay accounts, consider options that are lower risk instead of withdrawing large sums of cash.
Apply the following TIPS to avoid being a victim:
•Carry as little cash as possible
•Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options)
•Consider making use of cell phone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking
TIPS TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF CASH ROBBERIES FOR BUSINESSES
A small business which is cash based and needs to deposit money on a regular basis at the bank should apply the following TIPS which will minimize the chances of you being a victim of robberies:
•Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash
•Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you
•Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue
•Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book
•It’s advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected
•If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company
•Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank
•Refrain from driving to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’
•Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts
•Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.
•Never give your card or PIN( Personal Identification Number) to anyone, for any reason.
•Dont write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card.
•Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
•Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.
•Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.
•Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swop or take your card.
•Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.
•Criminals work in teams- one to distract you while the other steals your card or money.
•If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM it is advisable to phone your bank toll free stop card line immediately and stop your card.
•Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf- they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
•Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions.
•If you need help, ask a bank official.
•It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.
