Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) clients were warned over a scam involving illegal withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATM) in the bank’s branches in Sucat, Paranaque, ABSCBN’s Maan Macapagal reported on TV Patrol Monday night.
One bank depositor, “Robert” (not his real name), said P80,000 were withdrawn from his account in separate transactions on July 27 and July 28.
“It’s impossible for me to withdraw P80,000 over the weekend because my ATM was with me,” Robert told ABSCBN News.
Bank data showed that four withdrawals were made from his account each amounting P10,015. Transactions were made in an RCBC ATM branch and Metrobank ATM branch in Super 8 Grocery in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on July 27.
Then at around 12:35 a.m. early Monday, two more withdrawals of P20,000 each were made from Metrobank ATM Super 8 Grocery in Sta. Rosa and in BPI Imus, Cavite.
“Ang ginawa ng perpetrator, hinintay niya mag-umaga ng mga 12:30 para next banking day na agad,” Robert said in the interview.
Another victim, “Myra” (not her real name), said she lost P100,000 from her bank account on August 2.
“At first I thought nalilito lang ako sa computation ko,” she told ABSCBN News.
Six withdrawals were also made from her account in ATMs in Quezon City and Subic, Zambales.
“Kaya ka nga nagde-deposit ‘di ba, kaya nga ‘di mo nilalagay ang money mo sa house o sa closet is precisely secure ‘yung money mo tapos ganun ang mangyayari,” she said.
The report said other victims surfaced after Robert shared his experience, most of whom were depositors of BPI ATM branches in BF Homes Aguirre and President’s Avenue.
“I had about six to seven people who shared the same thing,” said Robert.
BPI has returned Robert’s money while also vowing to return the full amount to Myra.
“BPI immediately investigated the matter after receiving the reports. The account of the affected client has been fully rectified and the amount reimbursed upon confirmation of the incident,” the bank said in a statement sent to the network.
BPI admitted that it has received reports regarding “abnormal transactions on a specific BPI ATM.” The bank urged its clients to report any suspicious incidents.
“BPI remains committed to the security of the accounts entrusted to us, and we would like to assure the public that our ATMs are equipped with security systems which we constantly upgrade with the latest available technological enhancements. Nevertheless, we know that there will always be attempts to break through these systems, and that phishing, skimming and similar criminal acts have become an industry-wide concern. We urge the public to be very vigilant and immediately report such incidents to us,” it said.
