Bank customers targeted in robberies sees 4% increase
The SA Banking Risk Information Centre says the number of bank clients who've fallen victim to cash robberies increased by 4% in the 2015/2016 financial year.
Cash losses for 2017 across the country already come in at R21-million.
SABRIC released a statement yesterday urging bank customers to find safer ways to transact - instead of carrying large amounts of cash.
SABRIC's Kaylani Pillay says the scourge is not limited to urban areas.
"Bank customers who are either on their way to the bank to make cash deposits or on their way back after having withdrawn money - have become victims of bank robbery. This year already, from January to June, we've had 696 bank customers who have become victims," she says.
Pillay says KZN has recorded 96 incidents this year - the second highest in the country behind Gauteng.
Pillay says bank clients can protect themselves by being extra vigilant and paying attention to their surroundings, even when inside banks.
SABRIC has provided the following tips to bank customers to improve their safety.
Tips for Individuals:
* 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.
* Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.
Tips for Businesses:
* Vary 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 moneybags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.
* It is advisable to identify another branch nearby you 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.
* Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
Tips for Stokvel Groupings:
* Refrain from making cash deposits of club members’ contributions on high-risk days (e.g. Monday after month end).
* Ensure persons depositing club cash contributions or making withdrawals are accompanied by another club member.
* A stokvel savings club or burial society can arrange for members to deposit cash directly into the club’s account instead of collecting cash contributions.
* Arrange for the club’s pay out to be electronically transferred into each club member’s personal account or accounts of their choice.
* Take another person with when going to deposit club cash contributions.