Cebu Bankers group: Philippine ATMs not weakest

CEBU, Philippines - An association of local bankers has denied that the Philippines has one of the weakest security features in automated teller machines in the world as claimed by a Romanian national arrested on Monday over ATM fraud.

Cebu Bankers Association president Maximo Eleccion said the ATM machines in the country have the same features with those used worldwide.

He further said that suspect Ghoerghe Stretcu, who was arrested in Cebu City, has been hacking the bank accounts of foreigners, mostly in Europe, and only withdraws the money here in the country.

“Nag-harvest sila sa ato, ilang victims abroad… Dili weakest ang Philippines kay sa gawas nakakuha,” Eleccion said.

He also clarified that they have not received reports of any person in Cebu who has been a victim of ATM fraud.

Eleccion, nevertheless, reminded the public to be cautious with their ATM cards.

“It is something that you have — the ATM card and something that you know — the PIN (Personal Identification Number),” he said.

While urging cardholders to be very careful, Eleccion stressed that using ATM cards is still safe.

“Dili piligro for as long as careful pud ang ATM cardholders, di pataka withdraw og asa, di ipagamit og tawo ilang ATM. Di ibilin sa loan sharks, ang ATM ikaw ra dapat magkupot ana,” he said.

He also advised cardholders to change their PIN at least every month. —(FREEMAN)