Don’t be Football Crazy! Watch out for card scams in South Africa
2010-06-07
The Identity Fraud Communications Awareness Group offers football fans a guide on what to look out for at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. You can access it here at: www.identitytheft.org.uk
As thousands of football fans visit South Africa to holiday and watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Identity Fraud Communications Awareness Group, has issued a warning about the potential tricks and scams that might target World Cup tourists.
"While news headlines have focused on the risk of violence for anyone heading to South Africa, we are urging consumers to be aware of the potential fraud scams which might give them a financial hangover when they get back," says Neil Munroe, who is the official spokesman for the IFCAG.
He added: "Unfortunately, football fans will stand out from the crowd, making them an easy target for the criminals. But with a little extra vigilance we believe people can enjoy the trip of a lifetime and avoid becoming victims of fraud.
"Especially we are urging England fans to be a bit more cautious when they are using credit cards. A little common sense goes a long way. And if it seems too good to be true, it often is."
ATM fraud is common in South Africa fraudsters are known to target tourists. Scams include:
1 - Someone offers to ‘help’ with an ATM transaction and offer to try the number for you. They are probably fraudsters.
2 - People who dress in the bank's colours might tell you to swipe your card with them, as the ATM isn't working. They would then clone your card.
3 – Miniature cameras attached to ATMs used to record your PIN. Remember! There should be no loose wires, loose fittings or items like leaflet holders around the ATM.
4 - Your card apparently becomes stuck and a passer-by ‘kindly’ offers to try the PIN for you. They then say they will guard your card, while your report the matter to the bank. The fraudster then removes your card and uses the PIN.
And there's another way of protecting your hard-earned money. Check out APH for details of a fantastic idea to avoid getting ripped off when you try to exchange your travel money. Travel money cards let you convert your money before you leave the UK. And it gives you the benefit of better exchange rates, plus lower charges for cash withdrawals and credit card purchases. APH points out that with My Travel Cash you can save an average of 6% on the money you spend whilst you are away. And that's more money to spend on the things you want to spend it on. It is your money, after all! Visit www.aph.com/travel_extras/my_travel_cash.shtml for details.
