Thousands of bank customers went into panic mode yesterday after reports began circulating that an unauthorised skimming device had been used at an automated banking machine (ABM) in central Trinidad to allow unknown people to hack into customers' accounts and steal money. Banking sources yesterday told the T&T Guardian the ABM in question belonged to Republic Bank Ltd.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, Richard Young, president of the Bankers Association (BATT), confirmed an investigation has been launched. Young said BATT was considering placing advertisements through Crime Stoppers T&T, as several photos of suspected perpetrators had been obtained through internal investigations.
BATT urged customers to contact their bank immediately if their card becomes stuck in the ABM, so that the card can be blocked. Urging people to be extremely vigilant when using ABMs, BATT reminded the public not to reveal their personal identification number (PIN) to anyone, even people claiming to be bank employees.
Checks with the Fraud Squad revealed that while this was not a new type of crime, no new reports had been referred to them for investigation. Officials said while there are several such matters now engaging their attention, banks often carry out internal inquiries before referring the matter for further investigation and prosecution.
Young's assurance followed reports that customers had tried to use their Linx cards at the Central ABM on Friday morning and "lost" them. The T&T Guardian learnt that the measure was employed by the bank as a safety mechanism to protect customers whose cards may have been tampered with.
A release from BATT stated: "Over the last few days, the Bankers Association has become aware of fraudulent activity at certain ABMs. The type of fraud being attempted is known as skimming, a process whereby fraudsters capture personal information from customers' cards with the intention of later using that information to access the customers' accounts."
Replacement cards
Young said while customers will experience some level of inconvenience while replacement cards are being prepared, "Be reassured, the industry is working together to minimise the inconvenience to all customers." Young said people whose money was in fact stolen will be reimbursed.
However, he warned people looking to make a quick buck to think twice, as banks will do internal investigations to determine if the customer really was a victim of fraud. The BATT release read: "In light of the recent occurrences, customers are advised to immediately contact their bank should they note any suspicious activity on their accounts.
"In the interest of protecting our customers, should the banks also suspect fraudulent activity, we will immediately block those credit or debit cards on which tampering may be suspected. Blocking of cards will prevent any further transactions on those accounts.
"While this action may inconvenience the affected customers, it is necessary in order to prevent any further unauthorised access to their accounts. "These customers whose cards are blocked will be contacted by their bank individually and replacement cards will be issued from their home branch."
From Scotiabank
After BATT's media release about reports of fraudulent activity, Scotiabank T&T yesterday issued this statement:
"Customers affected by the incident outlined above can visit the Scotiabank branch on the Main Road in Chaguanas or the one on the Southern Main Road in Couva on Saturday, July 7 (today), between 9 am and 1 pm to have their Scotiabank debit card replaced. "The bank apologises for the inconvenience caused and continues to have our customers' best interest in mind."
For further information, call 62-Scotia