ATM card protection device developed

"ATM banking remains a convenient banking channel as it provides numerous capabilities, more especially for customers without access to the internet.

"However, with increased access comes the risk for fraudulent activity by criminals which has led to a significant increase in the number of card skimming cases reported," said George Chirwa, general manager of ATM Banking Services.

To combat this, the bank has developed a card protection device aimed at safeguarding customers transacting at ATMs.

Known as the "jitter device", the protruding illuminated hardware is installed in the ATM.

This causes the card to "jitter" after insertion.

"The device will make it difficult for criminals to attach foreign devices on or around the card reader," Chirwa said.

A substantial number of sites countrywide had been selected for the initial roll-out of the installation of the device, he explained.

Source: Sapa

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