EFCC warns Nigerians about ATM card exchange scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned Nigerians about an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) debit card exchange scam.
The EFCC issued this warning in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Dele Oyewale, as the commission was inundated with complaints from well-meaning Nigerians regarding unauthorized withdrawals from their bank accounts.
Mr. Oyewale said in a statement that the commission’s investigation has linked these complaints to ATM debit card exchange fraud.
“The modus operandi of the fraudsters involved in this heinous act was to keep debit cards from the same bank and, in the name of helping confused bank customers at any ATM, quickly replace the cards without the customer even noticing. and at the same time remember the PIN number used when trying the counterfeit card,” he said.
He said these cards were stuck in the machines due to incorrect PIN numbers, and the fraudsters quickly abandoned the victims, advising them to report the scammers to their banks to steal their cards and withdraw them from their accounts immediately. Ta.
Oyewale said this card exchange typically takes place at any service delivery point, such as a point of sale (POS) terminal or ATM point.
The fraud is gaining momentum across the country and the EFCC has advised bankers to be more cautious in the use of debit cards.
In view of the foregoing, the Commission added that the following tips may be helpful to avoid further financial losses by the banking industry: Keep your cards within sight or in a safe place. There is a need.
“When you get your card back after making a payment, make sure it’s actually your card and not just a cosmetically similar one. Regularly check your bank statement for any suspicious transactions. please,” Oyewale said.
“Set transaction alerts to monitor account or bank card activity. When entering your PIN at a POS terminal or ATM machine, cover the keypad with your hands or body.
“Do not rush to make payments or withdrawals and only ask bank staff for assistance. If your card gets stuck in an ATM machine or you notice any abnormality, call your bank immediately and ask them to block your ATM card. Please ask.
“Make sure you know your bank’s ATM offline block code so you can use it immediately in case it is misplaced or stolen. Dial the USSD code *966*911# and follow the pop-up instructions to instantly redeem your ATM card. Block.”
Mr. Oyewale said the EFCC will be relentless in protecting the finances of individuals, businesses and the nation to eradicate all forms of economic and financial crimes from our country.
Source: guardian.ng