ATM fraud devices, Part 2

Spybiz had earlier reported about a new method being perpetrated by a team of organized criminals stealing ATM cards and personal identification numbers (PINs) by installing a wireless camera disguised like a leaflet holder. A skimmer mounted on the front of the ATM card slot reads the card number. All the information captured by the wireless camera and the skimmer are then transmitted to criminals waiting in a nearby car, and these criminals could then duplicate the card numbers and use the PIN to deplete the money from the account. Beware if you see such devices in an ATM booth.

Funny goings-on

Our Spybiz informants have been providing us interesting information about this government financial institution. It seems there are not-so-funny things going on, starting with this top-ranking executive for a branch in southern Philippines whose vice is to play golf with the rich and famous – at government expense. This old man reportedly prides himself on being a Lothario, luring female subordinates by giving them promotions. Aside from using these golfing occasions to do a little swinging on the side, this exec’s MO also includes asking fair-skinned targets to work overtime till midnight, during which he finds excuses to touch the hair and shoulders of his intended victim. While some have fallen prey to this old man’s dark tactics, there are those who have chosen to pack up and leave. Another not-so-funny antic is the institution’s non-compliance with the Civil Service Commission-prescribed ranking system and qualification standards. According to an insider, this government institution has a penchant for approving Third Level Position appointments to unqualified and ineligible but favored incumbents. While ordinary employees aiming for the positions hurdled the required examinations through their own sweat and money, management allegedly provided free review classes to these favored but ineligible incumbents, who were on official travel status.

Balikbayan nightmare

A Spybiz informant whose relatives recently arrived to visit their sick mother disclosed the nightmare experienced by the balikbayans upon their arrival in the country last Friday from Los Angeles. In their rush to go home and because they arrived at 4 in the morning, the balikbayans failed to notice that the padlock on one of their luggage was destroyed, and that pasalubong items like perfumes and toys were missing. Imagine their dismay, therefore, when they discovered the theft when they started unpacking. They reported the theft to the airline, but they were only given the polite answer that the airline no longer has any responsibility for any luggage that has already been cleared by Customs. The balikbayans could not believe that there is no way the personnel handling passenger baggage, whether from the airline or the MIAA, could be identified and thus make a shortlist of who the possible culprits could be. The next day, the visitors went to a foreign exchange dealer in a mall and imagine their shock when they were told that the series 1995 and 1996 dollars are not acceptable here. They tried a bank near the mall that was open and they were also told the same thing, and even series 2005 dollars could not be exchanged because of certain markings. "These dollars are bank issued, and if they’re good enough in the US, why can’t they be good enough here?" the balikbayans lamented, adding that Philippine Tourism authorities and other agencies should give advisories, otherwise such incidents might discourage tourists from coming to the Philippines. The country certainly doesn’t need tourists denouncing the country because the dollars they brought are not good enough for the Philippines.

The listening post: The latest goings-on

Last Thursday saw our Spy-Ring in a whirl of activities. First was the successful launch of Miladay’s New Look shop at Glorietta. Fourteen new collections were unveiled by the Dayrit siblings led by Michelle and Mark. Seen at the cocktails were the Assumption HS 79 Glam Girls, society matrons usually seen at the Sanctuario de San Antonio, Mary Anne C. Tinio, Eileen Litonjua of Citibank, and the proprietress of the shop of the Kidnapped Lechon! Dazzled by the jewels and the crowd, our Spy-Ring proceeded to the Foundation Day celebration of a Middle Eastern country at the Mandarin ballroom attended by top businessmen, the diplomatic corps, Arroyo administration officials, and opposition figures. A strong-willed female opposition figure was even heard convincing JDV that he won’t even become Prime Minister despite the numerous support he has rendered to the administration like last July 8 and the Con-Ass initiative. Witnessing the barrage was a smiling FVR. The Spy-Ring savored the exotic Middle Eastern cuisine and the more exotic sights of the comely Arabian women despite the absence of liquor.

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