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Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has warned that there are rampant card cloning schemes in the country.

Criminals are allegedly replicating ATM cards and using them to withdraw money from unsuspecting victims’ accounts.

In a statement yesterday, BAZ urged the public to be careful when transacting using ATM cards as card cloning syndicates were on the prowl.

“The Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe would like to support efforts being made by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to promote the use of electronic means of transaction, mainly via the use of plastic cards. The platforms that have been provided by banks are offering unparalleled convenience to the banking public,” read the statement.

“However, we are also aware that some members of the banking public have been taken advantage of by a few criminal elements resulting in loss of their hard earned money, particularly through Card Cloning Fraud. This is a fraud where a criminal gains access to the customers details and creates a duplicate or cloned card. Armed with this fraudulent card, criminals can carry out and execute transactions as if they are the owners of the account,” read the statement.

To avoid card cloning, members of the public are advised never to release their cards to unauthorised people.

BAZ also urged the public to ensure that till operators and vendors never take cards out of sight.

“Never disclose your pin to a third party, especially strangers. When punching in your PIN, cover the keypad to ensure no one can see your pin sequence,” read the statement.

The public was also advised against using the cards to swipe in dubious or suspicious outlets.

“Whenever you are told that the Point of Sale machine isn’t working, after swiping your card, ask for the manager of the shop, or report the incident to your bank. Make a careful note whenever a point of sale transaction has failed, when this happens, always ask for a printed POS slip,” read the statement.

“Should you be in any doubt about your transaction, please immediately get in touch with your bank so that you can get the card suspended until you verify your transactions,” read the statement.

Police have recently warned members of the public to be wary of a syndicate of criminals that has been swindling people through card cloning, with cases having been reported countrywide since January.

In a statement, Criminal Investigation Department spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho said the Commercial Crimes Division had noted the cases of card cloning which have resulted in financial losses to corporates and individuals.

“Criminals are taking advantage of the uptake of plastic money by business organisations and members of the public to swindle money through card cloning,” she said.

“Card cloning involves the production of counterfeit bank debit cards by criminals after fraudulently acquiring bank debit/credit card information contained in the magnetic strip of the bank debit card”.

The police warned that people who leave their cards with friends at supermarkets, banks or other institutions where they can get cash are at serious risk.

“Those they leave their cards with may work with cloning syndicates. They may make copies of the cards and start using them days after returning the original to the owner,” read a statement. – @andile_tshuma