Lapu bry. chief loses savings to skimming

A BARANGAY captain in Lapu-Lapu City lost around P200,000 after he fell a victim to an automated teller machine (ATM) skimming.

Pajo Barangay Captain Junard Chan said that what was left in his ATM card was P62.02 when he checked his balance last Nov. 12.

Chan saw in his statement of account that a withdrawal of a total of P86,000 cash was reflected on Nov. 2. The bank told him the amount was probably withdrawn on Oct. 29 to Oct. 31 and was just reflected on Nov. 2, when bank transactions resumed after the weekends and holiday.

Moreover, at least P20,000 was withdrawn daily from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5 and various amounts were withdrawn in the succeeding days up to Nov. 9.

Chan said his last withdrawal was last Oct. 4.

The barangay captain immediately called the manager of the bank where his ATM card was issued and the latter advised him to send an explanation letter, which was forwarded to the said bank’s main office in Manila.

“Di lalim pud. Akong gihagoan baya. Niingon ang bangko nga if proven nga skimming ma- credit back ra daw sa akong account. Ang ako pangutana kanus-a pa ( It’s hard to take. I worked hard for it. The bank assured that if proven that there was skimming, the amount lost will be credited back to my account. But when will that be)?” Chan said.

He said the bank asked for two weeks so they can check on his concern.

Nothing unusual

Chan did not recall that someone was behind him when he withdrew money from the ATM machine. He also did not notice any unusual things on the machine.

“Duna’y advice sa Manila sa maong bangko regarding ATM skimming nga naa na sa (There was an advice from the Manila office of the said bank that ATM skimming already exists in) Cebu,” he said.

After the incident, Chan opened another passbook account to deposit his savings from his ATM accounts that he had from other banks.

“My advice to the public is they should open a passbook account for their savings and place a minimal balance in their ATM account,” Chan said in Cebuano.

Advice

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director Rommel Cabagnot advised people to be vigilant and follow the safety instructions of the banks when withdrawing money from the ATM machines.

“Advice nako bantayan gyud. So adto ka sa ATM imo tan-awn ang (Anyone who will withdraw money from ATM machine should look around and check the) area,” Cabagnot said.

He said even those who paid their payments through debit cards should be careful.

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza assured that policemen always have a regular meeting with the business establishments, including banks, for the security of everyone.

She added the police frequently monitor the banks during their patrol.