BREAKING: Nigerian Banks Embroiled in “Card Swap” Scandal, Customers Lose Millions
A widespread scam involving bank staff has been uncovered, leaving countless customers vulnerable to financial exploitation. The “card swap” ruse, perpetuated by unscrupulous bank employees, has resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
This syndicate is in collaboration with the Bank’s ATM Technical Officers, the Security and operation Staff members.
According to sources, the scam unfolds as follows:
- Bank staff secretly enters the ATM Machine room, removing ATM cards inserted by customers from machines.
- Collaborators distract customers at the front of the ATM machine outside , creating a false encounter. This they do for camera justification
- Bank staff then claim a stranger swapped the card, using the staged encounter as “evidence.”
- Stolen cards are swiftly used for POS withdrawals after 4 pm, when banks close, so that the customer could not enter the banking hall for immediate complaint.
- Customers are left with fake cards dispensed by ATMs, unaware of the swap.
Victims have reported substantial financial losses, with some claiming tens of thousands of naira stolen from their accounts.
“This is a brazen attack on customers’ trust,” said Emmanuel Oyedele, a victim of the scam. “Banks must be held accountable for their staff’s actions.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been urged to intervene, with calls for:
- Investigations into reported cases.
- Strict penalties for complicit banks.
- Enhanced ATM security measures.
- Customer education and awareness campaigns.
CBN’s Consumer Protection Department has promised to look into the matter.
“Banks have a responsibility to protect their customers,” said a CBN spokesperson. “We will take necessary actions to address this issue.”
Customers are advised to:
- Monitor accounts regularly.
- Report suspicious transactions immediately.
- Use secure, well-lit ATMs.
- Be cautious of distractions at ATMs.
As the investigation unfolds, affected customers are encouraged to report incidents to their banks and CBN’s Consumer Protection Department (cpd@cbn.gov.ng).
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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