FIA launches probe into ATM fraud

One victim lost Rs0.28 million

RAWALPINDI:

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Banking Circle has started investigating the alleged hacking of automated teller machines (ATM) during the Eidul Azha holidays.

Officials said that hackers had allegedly installed skimming devices at ATMs located in sparsely populated areas of the district to hack into accounts of customers and steal millions.

Once the banks reopened after the Eidul Azha holidays, a large number of customers lodged their complaints.

One victim who lost Rs0.28 million told The Express Tribune that he had an account at a private bank in Asghar Mall. On Friday evening, he withdrew Rs20,000 through the ATM. But in the next seven minutes, hackers stole more money. He added that the hackers transferred Rs0.1 million to one account and Rs0.05 million each to two separate accounts while Rs80,000 were withdrawn through an ATM.

FIA officials said people who lost money and private banks had asked them to track the hackers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2020.