Banks warn public anew on skimmers

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Bankers Club has advised Automated Teller Machine card users to be vigilant in withdrawing money from their accounts, following recent reports of ATM skimming.

Lately, there have been cases of ATM or credit card holders who are being victimized by the so-called skimming or cloning of card information.

CBC Vice President Maximo S. Eleccion said people especially bank customers should be aware about this to prevent swindlers from withdrawing cash from their accounts.   "Skimming uses devices that are attached to the ATM machines," he explained in an interview with The FREEMAN yesterday. "This device can copy or clone ATM cards."

Skimming hoaxers take information through placing a device -- usually a small camera -- into the ATM. This device fakes data from the card's magnetic stripe. In most cases, small cameras are mounted in ATMs to take the PIN codes of users.

"That's why if you can see, the machines now have cover on the pin slide in order to cover," noted Eleccion, who is also a preferred banking relationship manager of the Bank of the Philippine Islands. 

Precautionary measures

To avoid getting victimized by this scam, the bank executive suggested some precautionary measures that people should be aware of in doing bank transactions.

Customers are advised to use the ATMs located in well-lighted places or those attached in malls, banks or other commercial establishments because these are less vulnerable to fraud attempts.

They should avoid transacting in remote areas that usually have no security guards nearby. People should also cover the ATM keypad using their hands when typing the PIN number.

"Another reminder is never give your card to anybody and never divulge your PIN (number) to anybody."

Eleccion, who is also the chairman of the CBC's Security Committee, assured the public the banking industry is doing something to protect bank clients. He further explained that skimming is an industry-wide and worldwide problem; and ATM-related fraud incidents are usually isolated cases.

He said banks are now deploying roving guards to check whether there are devices being  installed in ATMs. Security providers are also advised to orient their security guards on how to detect skimming attempts.

"You know, banks are doing measures to prevent these events. We are in control of this."

The CBC is also urging ATM card users to immediately report skimming incidents to their banks and have their cards replaced.

A skimming victim is normally going to have a new card and PIN code. If the unauthorized withdrawal act is proven to be the reason of money lost, the bank is going to reimburse the owner.

The process of claiming the stolen money may normally take months so victims are told to report fraud cases immediately.

The CBC official assured the public that their money is still safe in banks and that bank companies are taking this issue seriously.

He again reminded ATM users to take care of two things: "You need two things: something that you have which is the ATM and something that you know which is the PIN number."

He emphasized the PIN or security code is something personal to the owner and even bank employees can never have access to ATM accounts. (FREEMAN)