|
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Couple nearly falls prey to ATM scam
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is warning the public against a scam hitting users of automated teller machines (ATM).
Supt. Melvin Gayotin said the CCPO has only one complaint so far, but they want ATM users to know how to deal with the modus.
A couple withdrew P10,000 from an ATM outlet in the Talamban area last Sunday and were surprised when the machine did not dispense cash.
They were alarmed when they got the receipt that indicated they withdrew the amount.
Supt. Melvin Gayotin said that if this happens, it is best not to leave the ATM and call for police assistance.
Chances are, someone would go to the ATM when no one is looking and remove a device they have installed to block the release of the cash.
Pipe sawed
Gayotin showed to reporters a PVC pipe sawed in half to form a gutter.
Rubber cement was brushed in the middle so that the cash would stick there instead of going through the machine’s cash slot.
When this happens, the next user is informed that the machine cannot dispense cash and is in need of repair.
The couple called the Talamban Police Station for help.
At that moment, a boy about 15 or 16 years old, reportedly entered the ATM booth and tried to pick something from the cash slot.
Seeing that the couple was observing him, he pulled out an ATM card, but later walked out when he heard them talking about getting police assistance.
The couple realized that the boy was involved in the modus when he hurriedly got inside a waiting car, which sped off.
The couple recoverd the money.
Gayotin said he is asking the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau to check whether a syndicate is behind the modus, after learning of similar incidents in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lapu victims
Last week, four persons fell prey to the modus while withdrawing from an ATM at a mall in Lapu-lapu City.
When they sensed something was wrong, they called the police to lodge a complaint.
SPO2 Rodito Viovicente checked the machine and noticed the tube inside the dispenser.
Gayotin said that from outside, the user cannot tell if this is installed inside the cash dispenser because it is well concealed.
He said that it is best to check the receipt if it indicates that they were able to withdraw money.
If it were up to him, Gayotin would want all ATM machines to have security cameras so they can see who installed the PVC pipes.
However, he said there were too many ATM booths in the city and some banks could not afford security cameras. (MEA)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 22, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
