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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Saturday, March 18, 2017
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ILOILO City – Be very cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs). These may have been installed with fraudulent skimming devices stealing important data such as personal identification numbers (PINs), according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
BSP-Iloilo branch recently received three complaints from depositors regarding unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts.
One complainant lost P50,000 in an unauthorized withdrawal and believed his ATM card may have been compromised, said BSP-Iloilo deputy director Joanne Marie Castelo.
BSP-Iloilo already alerted all banks. Castelo said the banks of the three complaints also vowed to conduct an investigation.
There could be a syndicate behind this modus, said Castelo.
This is not the first time this type of ATM scam happened in this city. In April 2013, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) arrested three Malaysian nationals for installing in an ATM of a mall in Mandurriao district a device used to skim data from cards.
They stole PINs and other data then duplicated the ATM cards using sophisticated methods. With the stolen PINs, they then withdrew money from the bank accounts of unsuspecting ATM card holders.
Check thoroughly the ATMs for unusual contraptions before making transactions, Castelo advised ATM cardholders.
Preferably, use ATMs situated in well-lighted areas, those posted with security guards and have security cameras, added Castelo.
ATMs located in obscure areas may be less safe, she stressed.
Much better, use ATMs that are inside the banks, said Castelo.
“If there are discrepancies or problems, you can immediately complain to the bank officers,” she explained.
The bank concerned will conduct an investigation.
“Kon wala ka ka-withdraw ibalik nila ang kwarta,” said Castelo.
The BSP-Iloilo official also suggested that those intending to make deposits do so with the banks themselves and not through ATMs.
Those engaged in this ATM scam may be charged with violating Republic Act 8484 (Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998).
This law regulates the issuance and use of access devices and prohibits fraudulent acts using them. It covers any card, plate, code, account number, electronic serial number, personal identification number, or other telecommunications service, equipment or instrument identifier, or other means of account access that can be used to obtain money, goods, services, or any other thing of value, or to initiate transfer of funds.
ATM SAFETY TIPS
As early as 2009, BSP issued several tips to prevent being victimized by ATM scammers. Among these were:
* When using an ATM, shield the keypad. If you feel someone is standing too close, don’t be afraid to tell the next person who is in line to step back. Or, allow the other person to go in first and complete his or her transaction first.
* Always inspect the ATM you are using, as card reader devices can be spotted. If some parts around the slot for inserting the card do not seem right, consider walking away and using another ATM.
* Never share your PIN with another person, not even with family or friends, and absolutely never with strangers.
* Choose a PIN that is easy to remember but not based on a birthday, anniversary, address or telephone number.
* Change your PIN regularly.
* Do not use the same PIN on all your cards. While doing so may be easier for you to remember your PIN, it makes it easier for a thief to access all your accounts if your wallet is stolen.
* Memorize your PIN, never write it down or keep it in your wallet.
* Report captured cards immediately. As much as possible, do not leave the machine without reporting the card capture first. Immediately call the bank where the card was captured using a cell phone or the phone provided by the bank in the ATM booth./PN
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