|
 |
|
|
YOUR SECURITY
Security, especially ATM security, is a very real concern in South Africa. Spark ATM Systems has spent many hours analysing local and international crime statistics and trends to ensure ATM safety for all of our clients. We can confidently say that the merchant-filled model that Spark ATM Systems utilises is the safest ATM model in use internationally and especially in South Africa. This can be attributed to several important factors:
1. THE ATM IS LOCATED INSIDE YOUR STORE
This means that when your store is closed for business, so is the ATM. Our research shows
that most vandalism and attempted robberies at ATMs in South Africa happen at Bank ATMs
that are located in public and are easily accessible to thieves and vandals. Furthermore, most
ATM crime happens late at night, when your store is securely closed.
2. THE CASH LEVELS IN YOUR ATM ARE LOW
There is generally under R20,000 inside your ATM at any given time, while bank-ATMs can have up to R1m loaded inside them. Thieves know this and it makes the effort and hassle to rob you and your ATM unattractive and worthless. They may as well hold up your till. Almost all ATM-related crimes in South Africa occur on large bank-filled machines or while they are being replenished by cash- in-transit companies.
3. YOUR CASH DOESN'T LEAVE YOUR PREMISES
As you are filling your ATM with cash that is already on your premises, potential thieves do not have the opportunity to observe large amounts of cash entering and leaving your premises via cash-in-transit vans or you travelling to the Bank to deposit the cash yourself. This level of ATM safety is unprecedented.
4. THE ATM ITSELF IS VERY SECURE
Spark ATM security is ensured by means of three levels of access control before one gains access to the cash notes inside the ATM:
 The La Gard electronic combination safe (not a slow dial but a fast electric lock) is regarded as one of the world's best combination locks. It also gives you the option to make use of time delay releases should you wish to do so.
The ATM is securely bolted to your cement floor and cannot be removed.
Its safe has a UL (Underwriters Laboratory) international certification which ensures it is of the highest quality and strength.
5. THE CASH CASSETTE IS STORED SECURELY OVERNIGHT
The cash cassette should be removed at night and stored inside your safe. The ATM door is also left open at night - to clearly demonstrate there is no cash inside. This means that your store does not become a target for potential after-hours burglars. Should you not have a safe, we will arrange one for you through one of our Preferred Safe Suppliers.
YOUR CUSTOMERS SECURITY
There are three main ATM security concerns in South Africa, namely Card Skimming, Card Switching and Forced Withdrawals.
1. CARD SKIMMING
CARD SKIMMING occurs when a reading device is attached to the ATM's card reader (to read the card's number). The thieves then set up a camera near the key pad terminal in order to acquire the customer's PIN. In this way the unsuspecting customer has handed over his details to the thieves and is completely oblivious. These devices are set up when an ATM is unattended. This happens at street-facing bank-ATMs, as the thieves need time to attach the card-skimming device.
This type of crime therefore cannot happen at an attended, in-store Spark ATM.
2. CARD SWITCHING
CARD SWITCHING occurs when a thief offers his assistance to ATM customers and then swaps cards with the person. These criminals play on the trust of unsuspecting customers and they will always find a way to gain access to the PIN as well. This is particularly common amongst foreigners. This also happens when the customer is alone at a street-facing ATM and not inside a manned store where Spark ATMs are located.
3. FORCED WITHDRAWALS
FORCED WITHDRAWALS occur when a cardholder is forced or intimidated into making a cash withdrawal from his/her account, whereupon the cash is taken by the criminal. Research has shown that this most commonly occurs on isolated street facing ATMs and not attended, in-store Spark ATMs.
All of these types of fraud are eliminated with the use of in-store Spark ATMs, as the ATM and users are in a friendly environment under the watchful eye of you and your staff. Customers will soon realise that they can kill two birds with one stone by shopping and banking (safely) with you.
HOSTING A SPARK ATM IN YOUR STORE WILL IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF YOUR BUSINESS
AND OFFER A VALUABLE SERVICE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.
They will feel far more comfortable making a withdrawal on your premises as they know that you and your employees are around as reassurance of their safety. There simply is no choice between drawing money alone at an exposed street-bound ATM location versus drawing money in the comfort and security of your favourite store amongst friendly staff members!
THE FOLLOWING ATM TIPS ARE RECOMMENDED BY SABRIC AND THE GLOBAL ATM
SECURITY ALLIANCE:
Use ATMs where you feel most comfortable
Avoid using the ATM if there are any suspicious looking people around
Do not use the ATM if you notice anything unusual indicating it may have been tampered with
Do not accept advice from any strangers, especially overly friendly strangers
Do not let anyone see your PIN, not even the Police
Keep your ATM receipts
Adhering to these recommendations greatly increases your ATM safety.
For more information see:
https://www.sabric.co.za/
http://www.globalasa.com/cardholder.html
Would you like to find out more about our secure ATM solutions?
Click here to download the Spark ATM Security Brochure |
|
|
 |
|
|
