Yobe Police Apprehend ATM Card Swapping Fraudster
The Yobe State Police Command has apprehended a notorious fraudster, Justice Gibson, who specializes in the illicit activity of exchanging bank customers’ ATM cards and illicitly withdrawing funds from their accounts. According to DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, the suspect engages in sneaky maneuvers within ATM areas, where he cunningly swipes cards from unsuspecting individuals and proceeds to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
The incident occurred on September 27, 2023, around 1:00 PM, when the State Intelligent Bureau (SIB) detained Justice Gibson, a 28-year-old resident of Karim Lamido, Taraba State, at the First Bank ATM location along Gashua Road in Damaturu. He was found in possession of various ATM cards from different banks, which he used for card swapping after deceiving unsuspecting victims at ATM machines. Notably, he was caught attempting to discard an ATM card belonging to a person named Musti Kafa.
In his confession, the perpetrator admitted to his modus operandi, explaining that he targeted people at ATM galleries by monitoring those who faced difficulties while using the machine. He would offer assistance, slyly acquiring their PINs, then proceed to swap their cards and concoct a reason to leave for another ATM, leaving the victim with a counterfeit card while he withdrew all the funds from their accounts.
Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmad, cautioned the public to exercise caution when at ATMs to thwart such criminal activities. The Yobe State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to combat such crimes within ATM locations throughout the state.