New ATM scam
2005-10-26 16:44
Johannesburg - A 40-year-old man was robbed of R1 000 in a new automatic teller machine scam in Boksburg, on the East Rand, on Tuesday.
After withdrawing money at a Standard Bank ATM, he saw a money-filled plastic bank-bag on the ground and picked it up, said police spokesperson Andy Pieke.
"Shortly thereafter two men approached him and showed him what looked like a police card.
"They said they were investigating a case where R20 000 was stolen and that he should come with them," Pieke said.
Forced into the men's silver Golf, he was made to sit between two men he described as "large and speaking Zulu".
Pieke said the men told him to hand over all his cash - about R1 030 - which they placed in an envelope.
"After driving a short distance they said he should get out the car and they handed him back a brown envelope. They then drove away," he said.
The man opened the envelope to find it contained only torn newsprint.
He was just one of several people robbed in this way, police said, warning people leaving banks with money to be careful.
"If they are approached, they should scream for help and walk back to the bank so that security can assist them," said Pieke.
- SAPA