10 minute read
Card fraud: How do fraudsters prey on banking card users?
By Thabo Okie, Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Operations Risk
When it comes to the use of your banking card, it is important not to lose sight of basic safety and security measures. All banking platforms require vigilance for your own protection. The truth is, bank fraud, and card fraud in particular, is just as much of a concern in today’s world. Do not allow yourself to become a victim of card fraud. Here we explore some of the most common means of card fraud and how to avoid becoming a victim.
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Card skimming: Is the use of a device specifically made for fraudulently obtaining the customer’s bank details, the device is stored in the magnetic strip on the back of the bank card (usually black or brown in colour). This information is later used to produce counterfeit (duplicate) cards that are then used by criminals to undertake fraudulent transactions on the victim’s account. This is referred to as card cloning.
Devices used come in different sizes and shapes and can be used on both Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Point of Sale (POS) devices. Therefore, it is important that customers never let their cards out of sight, whether swiping at a restaurant, in a shop, or even withdrawing at an ATM. Make sure you are alert when using your card, check the receipts, and frequently examine your bank statements for unusual activity.
Card swapping: Can occur when criminals distract you while you are transacting at an ATM, claiming to be assisting you, or even paying a little too much attention when you input your Personal Identification Number (PIN). They then swap your card; this is done so quickly that very often you are unaware that you no longer have your own card. This is common during the holidays and on busy days as people tend to panic and are easily distracted. You’re often in such a big rush, you won’t realise what has happened until it is far too late. Stay alert at all times and do not let your card out of sight. Inform your bank and the authorities as soon as you suspect foul play, and stay clear of using the ATM when you see suspicious persons loitering around.
Card trapping: card trapping is when criminals trap cards in the ATMs’ card reader, giving customers the impression that the machine has swallowed their cards. They do this so that they can watch you key in your PIN from a distance or offer you the use of a cell phone to cancel your card. They then dial an accomplice who claims to be a bank official and pretends to cancel your card on the telephone and asks you for your PIN. It is incredibly important to note that you should under no circumstances ever share your PIN. No bank or official would need your PIN to assist you even in the case of a genuine problem.
These above are the common means of undertaking card fraud and are often experienced as shoppers, none the wiser, go about their busy days. In order to save yourself the heartache and inconvenience of being a victim of fraud, it is advisable to educate yourself on preventative security measures ahead of time. After all, why be forced to deal with fraud divisions and authorities unnecessarily when you can avoid it?
*This is a consumer education piece from Stanbic Bank Botswana
NEW ERA COLLEGE AND GREEN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY ASSOCIATION CELEBRATE NEW PARTNERSHIP
New Era College of Arts, Science and Technology (NEC) in collaboration with Green Energy & Sustainability Association (GESA), celebrated the commencement of their new affiliation this past Friday the 5th of March 2021, over a signing ceremony held at the New Era College Block 8, Gaborone Campus.
Signed and officiated by GESA Chairperson Mr. Obuile Morewane and New Era College (NEC) Chief Executive Officer Prof. Amos Thapisa, the mandate of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was to memorialize the collaboration between NEC and GESA with the noble vision of imparting industry applicable knowledge and skill to the student community of New Era College. Furthermore, the MOU was entered into for the purpose of creating renewable energy opportunities, special programmes, and projects for students and faculty members, while enhancing graduate employability and opportunity in the field of renewable energy, drawing attention to the growing sector.
The two organizations joined hands to bridge the gap between academia and industry with an emphasis of mounting opportunities and technologies through joint research and innovation to expand technological capabilities within the renewable energy sector. The new partnership will commit to the development of research projects aimed at supporting the domestic economy in areas of renewable energy and study.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NEC, Chief Executive Officer Prof. Amos Thapisa mentioned that this newly formed partnership between the two organizations will provide New Era College with an opportunity to diversify and develop unique, academic and professional programs in sustainable energy. He further mentioned that the partnership will see to the exchange of staff between NEC and GESA; those in the industry enrolling into New Era College to upgrade themselves, while college students venture into the industry with the assistance of GESA to gain relevant experience. “We believe that our strategic partnership with GESA, will help us manage our industrial attachment program, while at the same time our students will be linking up with GESA’s renewable energy department”
Closing the ceremony, GESA Chairperson, Mr. Obuile Morewane noted that the Association was founded by a group of Engineers who came together with an idea to facilitate and help with the development of renewable energy technologies in Botswana. He mentioned that this partnership will serve as a bridge between academia and vocational training for learners. “Academia and industry cannot exist without each other. Academic Institutions prepare students for us as the industry. Therefore they should align their curriculum with the industry’s requirements, by so doing, enhancing employability for our students”.
New Era College has been an education and training provider (ETP) since 2009 offering technical and industry relevant degree and diploma programs in the fields of Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Construction Engineering and Business Management. The College debuted two new centres in 2020: (1) Centre for Research, Management, and Innovation (CRMI), and (2) Learning and Teaching Excellence (LTE). The aim of the two centres is to promulgate advanced and digital modes of education delivery and research in the fields of technology and engineering. To date, the Centre for Research, Management, and Innovation in association with the College faculty members, published research on renewable energy and cyber security in several international and reputable peer-reviewed journals.
PROGRESSION SPONSORSHIP CYCLE
CLOSING DATE 28 FEB 2019
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• Prospective applicants must have completed diploma or advanced diploma qualification not more than five years back at the time of applying and no later than December 2018 (those completed between 2014 and December 2018)
• Must be able to complete the programme of study by the age of 35 years or below.
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Duration: 4.5 Years (6months attachment) Bachelor of Engineering in Telecommunications
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Level 3 Diploma Final Registration Date: 31.12.2023 Duration: 4.5 Years (6months attachment) Level 2 Certificate Final Registration Date: 31.12.2023 PROGRESSION SPONSORSHIP CYCLE CLOSING DATE 28 FEB 2019
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Telecommunications Engineering Level 5 Advanced Diploma ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Final Registration Date: FOR APPLICATION • 31.03.2021 Prospective applicants must have completed diploma or advanced diploma qualification not more than five years back at the time of applying and no later than December 2018 (those completed REQUIREMENTS Contact: 73933533 between 2014 and December 2018) 3933533
• Must be able to complete the programme of study by the age of 35 years or below. www.neweracollege.ac.bw Accommodation Operation Services
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As part of Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to safeguarding Africa’s precious ecosystems, a unique conservation-focused safari at its brand new DumaTau Camp will offer guests a life-changing experience in support of collaring elephants in Botswana’s private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
In partnership with Eco-Exist, Wilderness Safaris will collar 10 elephants in 2021, in an effort to learn more about elephant movement patterns, and thus identify potential elephant corridors between rural communities to limit human-wildlife conflict. Once established, it is anticipated that collaborative management of these corridors will enable ongoing free movement of elephants between Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Angola.
“The entire value generated by this trip will be used to cover the costs of the collaring operation – veterinarians, helicopter time, capture drugs etc. – as well as the installation of a borehole pump in a nearby community that will reduce their need to travel long distances for water. Guests will also have the opportunity to assist with research and tracking of the newly collared elephants,” says Wilderness Safaris Botswana Managing Director Kim Nixon.
The six-night, conservation-driven safari will combine three nights at Vumbura Plains, a Premier camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta, with a three night stay at Wilderness Safaris’ newest offering, DumaTau, another Premier camp set to open later this year. Guests will be able to spend time with the elephant researcher at DumaTau, as well as
Vumbura camp
take a helicopter ride to visit the Eco-Exist research base, learn more about human-wildlife conflict and the work being done to address it, meet the local Kgosi (chief), and help to install a water hand-pump in the community.
“With the data obtained from satellite collars fitted to elephants in the Linyanti, we can make an informed and important contribution to sustaining a balance between the safety and livelihoods of local community members, and the necessary and natural unfettered movement of elephants between protected areas,” explains Dr Neil Midlane, Wilderness Safaris Group Impact Manager.
Wilderness Safaris notes that well-defined corridors for elephants also allow an understanding of their movements by local communities, and help reduce the potential for humanelephant conflict, such as crop damage and competition for water resources.
“For almost four decades, Wilderness Safaris has used our ecotourism business to generate sustainable economic value, for conservation and rural communities, from Africa’s priceless wilderness and wildlife. Despite the current challenges, we feel an immense sense of responsibility to ensure that our people and our wildlife continue to benefit. This exciting itinerary will help to keep this going and at the same time, provide a truly unique experience for conservation and communityminded travelers,” Said Neil.
KIngs Pool
Still Botswana’s Finest Business and Entertainment Address
Whether you fl y, or drive, The Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort is your fi rst choice for business and entertainment in Botswana. Just a few minutes from the centre of Gaborone and the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the resort off ers superior accommodation in the luxury 4-star 188-room Peermont Walmont hotel and 3-star 149-room Metcourt Inn, lively entertainment in a Vegas-style casino, extensive dining choices from Asian favourites, local buff et delicacies and the best Botswana beef, a health and beauty spa and world-class conference facilities at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), all set in beautiful landscaped gardens. With FREE high speed wi-fi and FREE airport shuttle service, this resort is the ideal fi rst and last night stopover for your buisness or leisure trip to jewel of the African continent.
Book today, call Peermont Central Reservations on +27 (0)11 928 1928 or direct on +267 363 7777, book online at www.grandpalm.bw. Corporate rates available.
PROUD NOMINEE 2016, 2017 & 2018
