Bank warns public vs. ATM scam in Paranaque

From anc.yahoo.com:

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) customers are being warned over a scam involving illegal withdrawals from the bank’s automated teller machines (ATMs) in Parañaque City.

Multiple transactions in different locations

One bank depositor, “Robert” (not his real name), said a total of P80,000 was withdrawn from his account in separate transactions done on July 27 and July 28.

Robert said, “It’s impossible for me to withdraw P80,000 over the weekend because my ATM was with me.”

Bank data showed that four withdrawals were made from his account each amounting P10,015 in an RCBC ATM and a Metrobank ATM at the Super 8 grocery in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on July 27.

Two more withdrawals of P20,000 each were made from the Metrobank ATM at the Super 8 grocery in Sta. Rosa and from a BPI ATM in Imus, Cavite at around 12:35 a.m. early Monday, July 28.

“Ang ginawa ng perpetrator, hinintay niya mag-umaga ng mga 12:30 para next banking day na agad,” said Robert.

Another BPI client, “Myra” (not her real name), said she lost P100,000 from her bank account on August 2.

Six withdrawals were also made from her account via ATMs located in Quezon City and Subic, Zambales.

Specific machines in Parañaque

Other victims surfaced after Robert shared his experience, most of whom used BPI ATMs in BF Homes Aguirre and President’s Avenue in Parañaque.

BPI has returned Robert’s money and they are saying they will return the full amount to Myra.

“BPI immediately investigated the matter after receiving the reports. The account of the affected client has been fully rectified and the amount reimbursed upon confirmation of the incident,” the bank said in a statement.

BPI admitted that it has received reports regarding “abnormal transactions on a specific BPI ATM.” The bank urged its clients to report any suspicious incidents.

Suggested precautions

In any case, Robert and Myra say they want BPI to conduct a probe into the so-called ATM scam.

For now, those who use ATMs are urged to take the following precautionary measures:

• They should should make it a habit to cover their hand when entering their ATM PIN.
• The PINs should be changed regularly.
• Avoid using ATMs in high-risk areas. In fact it’s advised that people use ATMs that are within banks or other trusted establishments. ATMs with security guards posted near them are also relatively safe.