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http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/barbados_news/579228.htmlBRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Monday May 21, 2012 – Commercial banks are being warned by their umbrella body The Barbados Bankers Association (TBBA) to be on the alert for thefts from their automatic teller machines (ATMs).
According to reports, the TBBA issued a release recently to their members with the following caution: “Any reported disappearance of client money should be treated similarly by all banks if we are to gather meaningful intelligence in catching the criminals.”
Following an emergency meeting involving all banking institutions last Thursday, it has been revealed that over the past few weeks, the accounts of 17 people had been tampered with and monies illegally withdrawn from several ATMs.
The criminals, who sources have reason to believe are non-nationals, have also reportedly used false cards to purchase items from businesses.
The potentially sophisticated criminals appear to be using manufactured plastic encoded with cardholder information, which they have created through what the TBBA has termed a “skimming exercise”, which has allowed the criminals to secure the necessary data needed to withdraw from cardholders’ accounts.
The “skimming” has reportedly been widespread across the island, targeting machines from Hastings in Christ Church, in the south and as far north as Mile and a Quarter in St Peter.
Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin confirmed to the media that he is aware of the latest racket and would be meeting with his management team to devise methods for countering the activity.
