Heads up, South Africans: Nedbank has sent out a fraud alert to its customers, and it’s all about your debit card. From 20 January 2025, debit card swipes at toll gates will be disabled due to ongoing fraud issues. Apparently, card cloning at toll booths is a real problem, so it’s safer to use credit cards, garage cards, cash, or tags at toll gates. Some tolls are already upgrading to contactless payment systems – no more handing your card over to toll collectors!
FNB, Visa, and SANRAL have been busy too, upgrading lanes along the N3 and N4 highways with new tap payment systems. So, less card swapping, more security – and no more dodgy card clones lurking.
But toll gate fraud isn’t the only scam South Africans should be wary of. Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new tricks, from phishing (pretend bank reps trying to steal your info) to sim-swap fraud (stealing your number to intercept OTPs). And let’s not forget about money mule scams, where criminals get unsuspecting victims to launder their dirty cash. Ouch!
Keep an eye out for fake social media links and profiles, too. Scammers love impersonating trusted brands to steal your login details or infect your device. And if you’re using ATMs, watch out for distraction tactics and card skimming. Stick to well-lit ATMs and never accept help from strangers.
Finally, online shopping fraud is on the rise. Avoid dodgy websites that look too good to be true – they probably are.
Stay alert, keep your cards close, and watch out for these tricks.
Source Info: https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/806572/nedbank-fraud-alert-for-south-africa/