The Yobe State Police Command has made significant progress in tackling ATM fraud in the region by successfully dismantling a criminal network responsible for defrauding ATM users across the state. The authorities acted swiftly, leading to the apprehension of three suspects on Friday, as confirmed by a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim. The suspects were identified as Sani Kasim, 35; Nura Umaru, 24; and Umar Suleman, 22.
During questioning, the suspects admitted their involvement in a series of ATM fraud schemes. They revealed that they tricked unsuspecting ATM users into disclosing their PINs under the guise of offering assistance. Once the victims shared their PINs, the criminals would quickly switch the victims' ATM cards with their own, allowing them to withdraw funds from the accounts without the users' knowledge. This well-orchestrated operation led to a number of victims being defrauded by the syndicate.
In a statement issued on Saturday, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim highlighted the success of the operation, noting that the police had recovered significant evidence from the suspects. Among the items seized were 47 ATM cards, four mobile phones, and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The authorities also confirmed that six victims, including a visually impaired individual who lost a substantial amount of money totaling N181,550, have positively identified the arrested suspects, further solidifying their involvement in the scam.
[figure id="attachment_1133302" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1133302" style="width: 736px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"]
Recovered cards[/figure]
The scope of the operation illustrates the extent of the fraudulent activities carried out by the suspects, with the police keen to extend their investigation to include other potential members of the criminal network. The state Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has instructed the detectives to intensify their efforts in tracking down and apprehending other individuals connected to the fraud ring who are currently at large. In his statement, Commissioner Ahmed reassured the public of the command's commitment to making Yobe State an unsafe place for criminals, asserting, “Yobe State will not be a safe haven for criminal activities.”
Furthermore, the Commissioner urged the residents of Yobe State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He emphasized that public cooperation is vital in ensuring the safety and security of the community. In light of the recent surge in ATM fraud cases, the police have shared some practical tips with the public to help avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future:
Stay Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM. Look out for anyone who may be acting suspiciously or attempting to engage with you while you're at the machine.
Opt for Secure Locations: Whenever possible, use ATMs located in safe, well-lit areas, such as those within bank premises, shopping malls, or other commercial spaces where there are security personnel and cameras monitoring the area.
Guard Your PIN: One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from ATM fraud is to always cover the keypad when entering your PIN. This prevents others from being able to see and memorize your PIN, reducing the risk of them accessing your account.
Keep Your Card Secure: Never allow anyone else to handle your ATM card, and make sure it is always in your possession. If someone offers to help you at the ATM, politely decline and perform the transaction on your own.
The Yobe Police Command has called for continuous awareness and cooperation from the public to help combat ATM fraud and ensure the safety of all residents. With these preventive tips, citizens are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid falling prey to criminals who seek to exploit their vulnerabilities at ATMs.
