SUSPECT REVEALS HOW HE ALLEGEDLY STOLE ATM USERS’ PINS IN CALABAR
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A suspected fraudster has explained how he allegedly stole bank customers’ personal identification numbers (PINs) by posing as a helpful stranger at automated teller machine (ATM) points in Calabar, Cross River State.
The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, allegedly targeted customers who needed assistance with ATM transactions, withheld their bank cards and watched as they entered their PINs.
The Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a video shared on the command’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
Eitokpah said the suspect was arrested on October 6, 2026, over alleged fraudulent activities involving unsuspecting ATM users.
In the video, the suspect admitted targeting customers who appeared to need help, saying he exploited their trust to obtain their banking details.
“I do go to the ATM machine to lie in wait for gullible customers who believe whatever I may tell them, and people that seek for help too,” he said.
Explaining his alleged method, the suspect said he switched the ATM to cardless transaction mode while withholding the customer’s card, making the person believe the card was still inside the machine.
“So, if you call for help or assistance from me, what I do is I put the ATM on the cardless transaction mode and withhold your card. You’ll be thinking your card is inside, but your card is not inside,” he said.
He added that he observed customers as they selected transactions and entered their PINs, leaving the premises after obtaining the information.
According to the suspect, customers could select withdrawals, transfers or balance inquiries before being prompted to enter and confirm their passwords.
Eitokpah said the suspect allegedly memorised the customers’ PINs before leaving the ATM point with their cards and the information needed to carry out fraudulent transactions elsewhere.
The victims would later discover that their cards were missing and their bank accounts had been debited, the police spokesman said.
He added that the suspect allegedly worked with a getaway driver who was still being sought by the command.
According to Eitokpah, the divisional police officer in charge of the area had been tracking the suspect and had previously met with bank managers to address reported fraudulent activities around ATM points.
The police urged members of the public to exercise caution when using ATMs and avoid handing their bank cards or disclosing their PINs to strangers offering assistance.
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