Photo of Koketso Masuluke

What you need to know about card skimming and shoulder surfing

7y By Koketso Masuluke

Did you know fraudsters can copy your card or look over your shoulder and get hold of your info and money?

What you need to know about card skimming and shoulder surfing

What is card skimming?

While drawing money or paying with your card, a fraudster copies your info using a device in the card slot. As soon as your card passes through the device, your info is copied. Then, they watch you type your PIN number and are able to access your account with your information.

What is shoulder surfing?

This is when someone physically looks“over your shoulder” and they watch you key in your personal info like your card PIN, 3-digit validation code or account passwords. Fraudsters can quickly memorise your account details.

WalletWise Tip: Keep your card and PIN safe

  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs or in shops
  • Be careful and alert of what’s going on around you
  • If you get suspicious of anything, cancel the transaction and remove your card
  • Never accept help from strangers at an ATM
  • Don’t write your PIN down – others could copy it
  • Don’t use unsecured WiFi networks for banking or shopping online

card skimming

For more information, visit the WalletWise website

Read more WalletWise 

ENTERTAINMENT

Zoë Modiga finds beauty in life’s unexpected seasons with ‘When the Rain Comes’

South African multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and performer Zoë Modiga returns with a reflective new single, When the Rain Comes, exploring adversity, renewal and the lessons that come with navigating life’s changing seasons. Also see: Zoë Modiga gears up for her album launch The song offers a fresh perspective on life’s challenges, encouraging listeners to consider […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

Shadrack Sibiya steps down from senior SAPS role

Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya has resigned from the South African Police Service (SAPS), with his departure taking effect on Monday, 12 October 2026. Also see: Shadrack Sibiya’s SAPS disciplinary hearing scheduled for October SAPS has confirmed that Shadrack is no longer an employee of the Service after he resigned through his legal representative following the commencement […]

Read more...
SPORTS

AFCON set for return to traditional 2-year cycle

Months after stunning the football world by announcing a shift toward a quadrennial schedule, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reconsidering its roadmap. Also see: FIFA re-election: Patrice Motsepe reiterates Africa’s support for Gianni Infantino CAF President Patrice Motsepe has revealed that the organisation is actively studying a return to the traditional two-year cycle […]

Read more...