Reese Barcelon
- A woman named Ciedelle Campanero shared what she found at an ATM machine inside the mall she was at.
- After a closer look, she confirmed that there was a skimming device attached to the card slot of the machine.
Skimming devices can be found on ATM machines which are not properly guarded by security personnel since it is easier for crooks to attach the device given the fact that no one will be watching them.
Most of the time, thieves target machines outside establishments since there are bigger chances of getting away with the crime they are planning to do rather than doing it in a crowded place. However, it appears that offenders have gained confidence at committing a crime inside a well-known shopping mall.
To prove the aforesaid statement, a female netizen named Ciedelle Campanero shared what she had spotted recently at an ATM machine inside a mall.
Read her full post below:
“BE VIGILANT!
July 6, 2017, 12:56pm, as i was about to withdraw from the ATM at SM Megamall, i found something suspicious in the card slot. It was a pale green slot part which seems to be detachable and the opening was tighter than usual. I took pictures of it (see photo) and immediately reported it to the branch. After 3hrs, the branch called me and confirmed that the suspicious part is a SKIMMING DEVICE.”
According to Campanero, when she was about to withdraw from her account, she noticed something unusual in the card slot. It looked as if it was detachable and rather pale. She took photos of evidence of the device before she informed the bank regarding the case. Later on, she confirmed that it was indeed a skimming device.
“Addendum (7/9/2017, 1:45am)
1) For those who are asking if it was inside or outside the mall: It was inside the mall, at the ATM section. Regardless of location, be vigilant.
2) For those who are asking if what particular bank, sorry i won’t disclose the bank. Any ATM could be compromised, regardless of what bank. What we can do is to be vigilant.”
Moreover, she clarified that the same machine was inside the mall – in the ATM section, to be specific. She also refused to reveal which bank it is since crooks can target any bank they see.
In addition, to ease the worries of those who made a transaction in the same machine, she had also addressed their concerns by letting them know what kind of action the bank had made regarding this matter.
“3) For those who are worried if their card had been compromised by the particular skimming device i reported: The concerned bank immediately secured the ATM and took necessary action to prevent the illegal use of data captured by the device. The bank told me that they already identified and voided the cards which had transactions with the compromised ATM. If your card was one of them, upon your next use of your card, it will be captured and you will be requested to visit a branch to have your card be replaced.”
Meanwhile, the netizens who had read Campanero’s post reminded their loved ones to be extra cautious when making a transaction on any machines.
In conclusion, people who have accounts on all banks should be vigilant and observant in an environment before making any transaction – regardless if it is guarded by security personnel or not. Prevention is better than cure, right?
How about you? Do you know someone who’s had a similar experience with Campanero? Tag them below!
