A suspected ATM fraudster has confessed to allegedly tricking bank customers into revealing their PINs before disappearing with their cards and using the information to defraud them in Calabar, Cross River State.
The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly preyed on unsuspecting customers who needed assistance operating Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
The Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, disclosed this in a video posted on the command’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
Eitokpah said the suspect was arrested on October 6, 2026, over alleged fraudulent activities targeting ATM users.
In the video, the suspect explained how he allegedly exploited the trust of customers who approached him for assistance at ATM points.
“I do go to the ATM machine to lie in wait for gullible customers who believe whatever I may tell them, and people that seek for help too,” he said.
He claimed that when a customer asked for help, he would manipulate the ATM transaction process and secretly retain the person’s bank card.
According to him, the unsuspecting customer would believe the card was still inside the machine while he watched as the person selected a transaction and entered their PIN.
“So, if you call for help or assistance from me, what I do is I put the ATM on the cardless transaction mode and withhold your card. You’ll be thinking your card is inside, but your card is not inside,” he said.
The suspect added that he would leave the scene after observing the customer enter and confirm their PIN, allegedly leaving with the information needed to carry out fraudulent transactions.
“And by the time you click on any of them, ask you to put your password, to put your password, and confirm your password, I will leave the premises,” he said.
The police spokesman explained that the suspect allegedly memorised customers’ PINs before leaving the ATM point with their cards. Victims would later discover that their cards were missing and their accounts had been debited.
Eitokpah further disclosed that the suspect allegedly operated with a getaway driver, who was still being sought by the police.
He said the divisional police officer in charge of the area had been monitoring the suspect and had earlier engaged bank managers in meetings aimed at tackling reported fraud around ATM points.
The police urged bank customers to be vigilant when using ATMs, warning them against surrendering their cards or disclosing their PINs to strangers offering assistance.
Customers were advised to seek help from bank officials or authorised personnel whenever they encountered difficulties using ATM machines.
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