Police Arrest ATM Fraudsters, Seize 48 Stolen Cards the Yobe State Police Command has successfully apprehended a criminal syndicate involved in defrauding ATM users across the state. On Friday, officers from the State Intelligence Department arrested three suspects: 35-year-old Sani Kasim, 24-year-old Nura Umaru, and 22-year-old Umar Suleman.
The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, operated by tricking ATM users into revealing their PINs under the guise of offering assistance. Once they gained access to the PINs, they would secretly swap the victims' ATM cards and withdraw funds from their accounts.
In a statement released on Saturday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the arrests and revealed that 47 ATM cards, four mobile phones, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle were recovered from the suspects. Six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost N181,550, have identified the arrested men.
Yobe State's Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has instructed detectives to continue tracking down additional members of the syndicate who are still on the run. He emphasized the state's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activities and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
In an effort to protect the public, the police have issued safety tips to help ATM users avoid falling prey to similar scams:
•Stay Alert: Always be cautious when using an ATM and be aware of anyone acting suspiciously around you.
•Choose Safe Locations: Use ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, preferably within bank branches or trusted commercial locations.
•Shield Your PIN: Always cover the keypad with your hand or a piece of paper while entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
•Guard Your Card: Never let anyone else handle your card and keep it securely in your possession at all times.
By adhering to these simple safety measures, ATM users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.
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