Mangaluru: Cases of ATM 'skimming' on rise, huge amounts withdrawn


Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 10: Of late, skimming operations are conducted by fraudsters in ATMs at different parts of the state including the coast, as per reports coming in. This activity helps the concerned to clone the details of the ATM card and siphon off funds available in the accounts of customers. In view of the dangers posed by this trick, the ATM users need to be very alert.

In the recent past, tricksters used this method at three places in the city and outskirts and succeeded in withdrawing money. Similar incidents were also reported from Udupi district.


Representational image

In this method, the cheaters fix delicate equipment in ATM machines. Through this equipment, they get details of the cards used in that ATM. They steal information provided therein, create fake cards and withdraw money through the ATMs. This method is known as 'skimming'. When an account holder swipes his card or uses ATM card in the machine, the equipment copies 16 digit number on the card and also the three-digit CVC number on the back. By using this method, huge amounts were withdrawn from the ATMs at Chilimbi, Naguri and Kulai here.

It is learnt that the skimming took place at ATMs where the machines are of old model where skimming equipment can be fitted. The police said that these ATMs did not have security staff. NCR ATMs where cards can be swiped are treated as unsafe. Machines which cannot be taken back till all transactions are put through are safer, say cyber experts.

Over 22 such complaints were registered in Mangaluru cyber police station between December 10 and January 31. In 48 cases, first information reports were not registered, treating them as non-cognisable offences. People who accessed the details through skimming machines continue to draw money at various places. The bank officials say that if the complaint is registered with the cyber station within three days of losing money, and if the copy of the complaint is given to the bank, the entire amount they have lost would be refunded, and between four to seven days, only Rs 10,000 would be refunded. In case the delay is more, no money would not be refundable, it is learnt.

What customers can do: Closely observe whether any suspicious equipment is fitted. In case of doubt, such ATMs should not be used. Nearest bank branch or policemen should be informed. If there is suspicion that your card has been skimmed, block the ATM card. It is deemed safer to use machines where swiping is not allowed.

What banks can do: Bank should replace the old ATMs with new ones where skimming is not possible. Security staff should be posted at the ATMs round the clock. CCTV cameras should be functional always. Customers should be sensitised about ATM use and safety measures. In case of complaints, there should be immediate response and customers should be facilitated to register police complaints.

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Wed, Feb 24 2021

    "The bank officials say that if the complaint is registered with the cyber station within three days of losing money, and if the copy of the complaint is given to the bank, the entire amount they have lost would be refunded, and between four to seven days, only Rs 10,000 would be refunded. In case the delay is more, no money would not be refundable, it is learnt." ........One of my friend lost 75000 in Manipal due to a same scam in a shoes shop. When he went to register complaint at cyber crime stations......the officers present there were showing their spoilt computers and worn out tyre's of their jeeps and hence he stopped registering the complaint. This is our fate.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Indian, Udupi

    Fri, Feb 12 2021

    Always before inserting the card, try to dragg card slot, if it is stable then no skimming, if it shaking or unstable then do not insert might be skimmed. Even after if it is ok then always cover your keyboard while entering the password. So please take extra precaution.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfred, karnataka

    Thu, Feb 11 2021

    Money looting from not vip looting from aam aadmi, openly and indirectly

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subhash Chandra, Mangalore

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    Do not swipe your PRIMARY credit card / master card or or any card that has max account balance, use a SECONDARY debit card of other bank that has lowest amount within 3 to 5k that you use in grocery or fuel stations. that way you can transfer any needed amount from Primary to secondary. swipe cards only in crowded leading banks ATM's which has a security guard & BIG NO for ATM's located in corners or remote locations, these skimmers target those kind of ATM's

    DisAgree [2] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    I got a message while using SBI ATM .."skimming attempt detected".. immediately I went inside and informed Assistant Manager about it... she was busy in gossiping in Malayalam with a lady ... she did not like the interruption to her gossip... she pointed at a peon and asked me to get in touch with the peon...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Roger, Palimar

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    That's the reason banks need to be privatized.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dinesh, Dubai

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    We can see Under SKILL INDIA and DIGITAL INDIA new Jobs created in Mangalore as both state and centre ruled by strong party......Promised Acche Din we are experiencing...........!!!

    DisAgree [14] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pavan, Mlr

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    Police shoild also investigate cash loading team members

    DisAgree Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • John, Mangalore

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    Make OTP compulsory for withdrawing money in ATM above a certain limit.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [58] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore

    Wed, Feb 10 2021

    For every thing BANK is responsible for this type of problems. Because there is a lot of set back rules from banks and branches. Most banks ATM no security at all. Some branches no officers are attending at the time of opening shutters of ATMs. They give contract to some nearby watchman in that appartment or commercial buildings to do this opening and closing shutters duty. With out security no banks should allow to operate ATMs. Now too many ATMs come up in near by near. This may be reduce.

    DisAgree Agree [36] Reply Report Abuse


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