The Cross River State Police Command has paraded a suspected ATM card thief who allegedly targets unsuspecting bank customers by pretending to help them resolve difficulties with ATM transactions before diverting funds from their accounts.
The suspect was paraded at the state police headquarters on Tuesday, October 20, where he reportedly explained how he carried out the alleged scheme.
According to the suspect, he positions himself at ATM locations across the state and approaches customers experiencing difficulties with their transactions, offering to assist them.
He allegedly takes advantage of their trust by withholding their ATM cards and manipulating the transaction process while making the customers believe their cards remain inside the machines.
“I put the ATM in cardless transaction mode and I withhold your card. You’ll be thinking your card is inside but your card is not inside,” he said.
The suspect explained that he waits for the customer to enter their PIN, memorises it and then leaves the ATM premises.
He allegedly works with a getaway driver, who is still at large. According to his account, the driver waits nearby and transports him to another location, where he uses the stolen card to carry out transactions.
Meanwhile, the unsuspecting customer may believe the ATM has retained their card, particularly when no card is returned after the transaction. By the time the customer discovers the problem and reports it to the bank, the suspect allegedly would have withdrawn or transferred the money from the account.
The police spokesperson reportedly explained that the Divisional Police Officer in the area had been working with bank managers to apprehend the suspect. Their efforts reportedly led to his arrest on October 6.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly disclosed that he began the operation in April 2026 and had accessed approximately ₦1.4 million belonging to his victims.
Five ATM cards belonging to different individuals were reportedly recovered from his residence.
Following the arrest, the Cross River State Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant when using automated teller machines, particularly as the festive season approaches.
The police advised bank customers never to disclose their ATM PINs to anyone, to shield the keypad while entering their PINs and to avoid allowing strangers to handle their cards.
Customers were also urged to ensure their cards were returned after every transaction and to contact their banks immediately to block missing cards and report suspected fraud.
The command stressed the importance of caution at ATM points, warning that criminals may exploit customers’ confusion and willingness to accept assistance to gain access to their banking details and funds.
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