The Yobe State Police Command has cracked down on an Automated Teller Machine fraud syndicate and arrested three suspects.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, December 7, 2024, said police recovered 47 ATM cards, four cellphones, and a Mercedes Benz vehicle from the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects specialised in deceiving ATM users into revealing their PINs under the guise of offering assistance.
They would then swap the victims’ cards and siphon funds from their accounts.
“The Yobe State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against cybercrime and related offenses. On December 6, 2024, the State Intelligence Department (SID) apprehended three suspects – Sani Kasim, 35, Nura Umaru, 24, and Umar Suleman, 22 – for their involvement in a criminal syndicate that targeted ATM users in the state,” the statement read.
“The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, used a clever tactic to trick unsuspecting customers into revealing their PIN numbers while using ATMs. They would offer to assist the customers, then swap their ATM cards and withdraw cash from their accounts.
“The police recovered 47 ATM cards, four cellphones, and a Mercedes Benz vehicle from the suspects. Six victims, including a visually impaired person who lost N181,550, have identified the suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has directed detectives to intensify their investigation and pursue fleeing members of the syndicate. He urged the public to report any suspicious activity and warned that Yobe State will not be a safe haven for criminal elements.
“To avoid falling victim to ATM fraud and related crimes, the Yobe State Police Command advises the public to follow these safety tips:
1. Be aware of your surroundings_: When using an ATM, look around for suspicious individuals or activities.
2. Use a secure ATM_: Choose an ATM located in a well-lit, secure area, such as a bank lobby or a reputable retail store.
3. Cover the keypad_: Use your free hand or a piece of paper to cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing your PIN.
4. Keep your card secure_: Hold onto your card at all times, and never let someone else handle it for you.
5. Monitor your account_: Regularly check your account statements to detect any suspicious transactions.
6. Avoid using ATMs with signs of tampering.
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