LIFESTYLE NEWS - With the festive season fast approaching and card cloning being a very big reality, consumers are urged to be extra vigilant when using ATMs. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Never give your card or personal particulars to someone at the ATM;

• Never let anyone assist you at the ATM, even if they appear to be a bank official or security. Rather enter the bank for a lawful official for assistance;

• Beware of people standing close to you when you are conducting a transaction at an ATM;

• Ensure you hide your pin when keying it into an ATM. Do not press in your pin when somebody says so or when someone tries to help you;

• Never use an ATM that looks tampered with or damaged;

• If possible, use an ATM that is monitored by CCTV cameras;

• Feel whether there are any attached devices over the card slot and number pad;

• Use your body and hand to cover the keypad when keying in your pin code. Stand close to the ATM;

• Do not write your pin on your card;

• It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit;

• If you see a suspicious person at an ATM, call the nearest police station and inform the bank manager.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Karoo, Hessequa news'