Robyn Kessler, Rondebosch
I was doing a transaction at the FNB ATM on the corner of the Main Road, Rondebosch, outside the frozen-yoghurt place, on the Saturday of the Easter weekend, and I had finished my transaction and had taken my card, when two young gentlemen tried to assist me, with the one saying to me that the ATM transaction wasn’t closed.
Another appeared on my right-hand side, and I have absolutely no recollection of how my bank card wound up in his hand, but when I told him that I am hesitant to trust people because it could be a scam, they both disappeared like shadows in the sunshine.
An employee at a shop nearby told me that others have experienced the same or similar.
They are very slick: dressed normally, seemingly very innocent, and giving absolutely no hint of being suspicious. The one acts to distract attention while the other… like I say, I don’t know how my bank card wound up in his hand.
Fortunately, the bank branch was open and I could cancel my card. But the fact that this is reportedly not an isolated incident means that others have been targeted.
This incident was reported to the police and if similar incidents are reported too, the police may be able to piece together enough information to stop these chancers.
Fortunately, my vigilance, however tainted, meant that nothing was lost except a bit of pride and the cost of replacing a cancelled bank card, but if writing this serves to make others aware so they don’t fall victim, then it has served its purpose.
Be careful and aware.
