Be vigilant while withdrawing cash: Dubai Police

Dubai Police has once again advised bank customers using various Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in various commercial establishments, shopping malls, fuel stations and convenient stores to be vigilant while withdrawing cash from the dispensing machines.

Speaking to 'Emirates24|7', Lt Col Jamal Salim Al-Jallaf, Deputy Director, Dubai CID, Management and Control, said while the use of micro fraud cameras and spying machines to steal customers bank details are rare in the UAE, customers should be alert while withdrawing cash from cash vending machines.

Instances of ATM fraud are limited in number in the UAE when compared to the number of bank branches, Automatic Teller Machines and the number of bank customers.

Investigations are nevertheless ongoing to track the perpetrators who installed a micro camera and a spying device at an ATM in the emirate to steal bank customers’ PIN numbers and other card details.

"My advice to the ATM users is to withdraw cash from machines at day time and avoid withdrawing cash at night, especially if the machines are located in isolated and remote locations," Lt Col Al-Jallaf said, adding "always try to use ATMs located in populated and housing areas and in case you are going to an isolated place, accompany a friend with you for safety."

Lt Col Al-Jallaf was responding to a recent report that a hidden micro camera was spotted on top of an ATM, placed in a commercial retail outlet behind Sahara Centre, Dubai. An investigation is on to check whether similar micro spy cameras have been planted anywhere else in or around the area.

Al Qusais Police Station is investigating the alleged fraud, reported from the ATM machine of an Abu Dhabi-based bank, placed in a convenience store in the area.

Global modus operandi of ATM thieves suggests they plant micro cameras close to the keyboard of the ATM to record the customers’ PIN numbers. The gang members usually hang around the ATM spot to receive the wireless video records, while sitting in their vehicles parked close by. Police warn the public to be cautious about suspicious activities of people around cash machines.

"Always watch for suspicious objects or people around the ATM machines and take care of the PIN numbers. Always examine the ATM machines key boards and card inserting slot and other spots of the machine for any hidden devices. After withdrawing the cash, don’t carry it in hand, but put in your pocket. Never forget to take out the ATM cards after withdrawing cash," Lt Col Al-Jallaf urged the general public. The senior cop was responding to 'Emirates24|7' queries.

An official from the Al Qusais Police Station refused to comment on the development as an investigation is still ongoing.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.