With the ever increasing needs during the difficult times in the Philippines, one has to look for ways to make extra income. Although being innovative and resourceful are good traits, others use these in a different way to make a fast buck. In line with this, the banking industry warns us of the ever evolving modus operandi being perpetrated by popular gangs (e.g. Salisi, Dikit, Budol-budol, and Tutok).
Below are three of the most recent ‘styles’ these gangs employ. One is a directly victimizing a client while the other two are moves on a client’s ATM transaction.
Modus operandi 1: The perpetrator, usually a female, masquerades as a bank employee and appears as very willing personnel to assist the depositor. She will volunteer to deposit the money on behalf of the unsuspecting victim directly to the teller. When the victim becomes busy doing the necessary filling up of the deposit forms or slips, the perpetrator will take the money or switch it with a similar-looking envelope, and leave the bank immediately.
Modus operandi 2: The perpetrator installs a straight bar like a ruler made of hard plastic, fiberglass, or steel to the ATM machine. A resin glue, a bonding agent, is applied to it and the bar is inserted to the cash dispenser. This glue will then capture the dispensed cash. When the unsuspecting client finds out that no cash was dispensed and leaves the area to make a complaint to the bank, the perpetrator then immediately goes to the ATM machine, removes the bar and carts away with the poor victim’s money.
Modus operandi 3: The perpetrator puts a strong glue to the command keypads, keeping the client from completing the transaction. Glue is also applied in the card slot capturing the card. This puts the client in a fix not knowing whether to cancel or carry on with the transaction. As this happens, the perpetrator who aptly acts as if he is the next in line will offer help in retrieving the card. He will skillfully try to get the client punch his PIN to memorize it. When every attempt appears futile, the perpetrator will prompt the client to seek assistance from the bank employee or guard. When the client leaves, the perpetrator will quickly retrieve the card and run away with it. He then withdraws all the money in another ATM machine•
