Authorities get no complaints on “ATM hacking”

CEBU, Philippines -  Authorities have not received any formal complaint in relation to the alleged hacking of an automated teller machine at a private hospital here but assured they are not turning a blind eye on the incident.

"Wa pa man mi nadawat nga report… akong gitawagan ang D.O. (desk officer), wa may nagpa-blotter...Ato nang ipa-check…atong pa-rovingan sa atong mga tawo," said Chief Insp. David Señor, chief of the Fuente Police Station.

No formal complaint has also reached the intelligence branch and the theft and robbery section of the city police office.

The Freeman reported the incident on Easter Sunday after confirming from an employee of the private hospital that several other employees failed to withdraw their salary because the money disappeared from their accounts. This also held true to those who tried to inquire for their remaining balance at the ATM located in the hospital. 

The hospital has confirmed that their salary was deposited prior to the Holy Week and the victims were advised to file a complaint with the bank concerned.

Reports then surfaced that a skimming device might have been used to hack the card holder's account and used the details to withdraw the money.

A skimming device can capture the data from the black stripe at the back of the ATM cards. Devices used are smaller than a deck of cards and are often fastened in close proximity to or over the top of the ATM's factory-installed card reader.

The Cebu Bankers Association also has not received any formal report on the matter.

"We have not received a report something like that, kung naay incident at least we are aware, wala pa kaayo mi detalye as of now," said CBA President Joey Umerez.

He said they are coordinating with security providers and with the police to come up with a system that would improve security of banks including their ATMs.

"Usa na sa among position…the banks are complying with CCTV requests not only inside… amo sang gibutangan sa gawas," he said.

Because of incidents in 2012 and in 2013, the City Council and the Provincial Board have called on banks to step up efforts in preventing ATM fraud.  (FREEMAN)