Nedbank Issues Fraud Alert: Debit Card Swipes Disabled at Toll Gates

Nedbank Private Wealth has issued a fraud alert to its customers, announcing that debit card swipe transactions will be disabled at toll gates starting 20 January 2025. This decision follows rising incidents of debit card fraud, including suspected card cloning at toll booths across South Africa.

New Payment Alternatives

To ensure secure transactions, Nedbank advises customers to use credit cards, garage cards, cash, or contactless payment tags at toll gates. The bank noted that many toll plazas are being updated to accept tap functionality for debit, credit cards, and smart devices linked to payment apps.

Nedbank emphasized that toll gates already equipped with contactless systems will allow seamless and secure payments without handing over cards to collectors.

Broader Efforts to Combat Fraud

Fraud concerns at toll gates have been highlighted before, with motorists having to hand over their cards for processing—creating vulnerabilities to card cloning.

Other banks, including FNB, Visa, and SANRAL, recently rolled out contactless payment systems at key toll plazas nationwide, such as:

• N3 toll route: De Hoek, Wilge, Tugela, Mooi River plazas
• N4 toll route: Diamond Hill, Middelburg, Machado, Nkomazi plazas

This system allows drivers to keep their cards or devices in hand during transactions, significantly reducing fraud risks.

Common Scams to Watch For

While toll gate fraud is concerning, Nedbank and other financial institutions caution customers about additional scams:

• Phishing and Vishing: Scammers impersonate bank representatives to extract personal details.
• SIM-Swap Fraud: Fraudsters deceive mobile providers to intercept banking OTPs.
• Money Mule Scams: Criminals use victims’ bank accounts for illegal fund transfers.
• Fake Social Media Links: Fraudsters create counterfeit bank profiles to steal credentials.
• ATM Scams: Techniques include card skimming and distraction tactics to steal PINs.

Staying Safe

Nedbank encourages customers to:

• Verify links and avoid sharing personal information online.
• Use ATMs in well-lit areas and avoid assistance from strangers.
• Monitor for unexpected mobile network disruptions, a potential sign of SIM-swap fraud.
• Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.

The disabling of debit card swipe transactions at toll gates underscores Nedbank’s commitment to customer safety. With new contactless systems and heightened awareness, South Africans can make secure transactions and reduce exposure to fraud.

Nedbank fraud alert, toll gate payments, card cloning, contactless payments,

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