Reese Barcelon
Nowadays, there is a lot of different modus operandi everywhere. But if there’s one thing they have in common, it would be their goal which is to steal money from people.
Back then, theft would only be as simple as picking pockets, but it seems like thieves had improved just like how the technology did. Apparently, these bandits got to know how to squeeze more juice from their prey and it is to steal directly from their bank accounts through their ATM cards.
One of these burglars’ failed attempts is when two of them decided to put an ATM skimming device in an ATM machine in Puregold Imus. Jessa Lorenzo shared the occurrence in her Facebook account after she had confirmed that there is something unusual with the machine when she was about to withdraw.
She tried to take out an amount of P 9,000 in her account. However, it suddenly displayed that the encoded the wrong pin for her account. Not to mention that the screen’s format was odd from the usual display.
After a few minutes, the machine released the money. However, Lorenzo noticed that there was a couple at the back who looked like they don’t have any intention to leave the place. The couple only left when she took a picture of the machine’s screen.
She wasn’t able to take a picture on the first try so she repeated the transaction and took two hundred pesos. Also, she had taken a photo of the couple but chose not to post it as she doesn’t have evidence that they were the culprits.
Lorenzo relayed the advice given to her by her bank:
“Kapag naka-encounter daw po kayo ng ganito, i-report niyo po agad sa bank. Kasi kailangan nila ma-block agad ‘yung card niyo. Baka kasi may skimming device ‘yung atm (Yun yung nilalagay para makuha nila card details at password nang card mo). Pumunta kayo sa nearest branch para mapalitan yung card at i-aadvice kayo na magchange ng password.”
Netizens who had seen her post were alarmed by the incident and advised their family and friends to be extra cautious of the environment upon making a withdrawal in any ATM machine.
Moreover, it will also be a good practice to change the card’s password every now and then to prevent anyone from gaining access to your funds. Customers can also observe beforehand in the environment and watch out for suspicious people hanging around the machines.
In addition, applying for another account will also be helpful to avoid robbers from getting much from your account. As the saying goes, “Never put your eggs in one basket.”
