At least 20 customers affected by the recent upsurge in fraudulent activities at automated banking machines (ABMs) will be compensated for their losses in accordance with their financial institution’s security guarantee agreement.

At least 20 customers affected by the recent upsurge in fraudulent activities at automated banking machines (ABMs) will be compensated for their losses in accordance with their financial institution’s security guarantee agreement.

Following the increase in debit card fraud at National Commercial Bank (NCB) ABMs two weeks ago, the financial institution, through its website and social media, has been advising customers of how to protect their Personal Information Number (PIN), while noting its liability to customers who have been affected by the fraudulent activities.

“We guarantee full reimbursement of funds removed from your NCB accounts in the unlikely event that, through no fault of yours, someone you have not authorised or provided with your log-in information, removes those funds through our electronic channels,” NCB stated on its website.

The bank, however, warned that it is the customer’s responsibility to protect their personal account information, including ABM PIN, online passwords and transaction code. NCB added that customers must immediately report any suspicion or experience of unauthorised account access.

According to Superintendent Anthony McLaughlin of the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC), a task force has been created to investigate the matter. So far, 20 scammed activities have been reported.

“We have seen a reduction in the amount of reports we have gotten since the incident… because the bank has stepped in and did some work. I know approximately 20 persons have been affected, but in terms of the losses, I am not able to speak on that right now because I have not yet received a comprehensive report,” McLaughlin told the Jamaica Observer.

Police have reported that at least two NCB ABMs in May Pen, Clarendon have been tampered with by fraudsters, depriving individuals of approximately $30,000 each.

“Because these players know that we have heightened the patrol in the Corporate Area, they are now tackling the rural areas where the vigilance is not as high. The investigation will analyse the different tapes from the ABMs to identify who are some of the players,” he added.

On September 14, NCB in a five-minute video entitled ‘ABM fraud – tips for protecting card’, highlighted that fraudsters would affix a card reader, a keypad overlay or a peep hole camera to the NCB ABMs in an attempt to capture users’ account information.

NCB later advised that it was aware of the related fraudulent transactions affecting customers, but based on its investigation, the incidences were not limited to any particular bank, but have affected various institutions.

On Tuesday, Scotiabank confirmed with the Sunday Finance that there has been no such incidence of fraudulent transactions occurring at its ABMs, adding that its machines are designed to minimise such illegal activities.

“Our machines function differently; they do not allow for an individual to attach card readers, cameras or keypad overlay onto our machines,” public and corporate affairs manager at Scotiabank Hope McMillan said.

McMillan added that in the event such fraudulent activities should occur, an investigation would immediately follow, and based on the nature of the incident, the customer would be reimbursed.

“If somebody gives their PIN to a relative or friend to conduct transactions on their behalf, then it immediately creates a problem. And this is one of the reasons why we will be hosting an in-branch educational seminar to talk about how customers can protect their accounts,” she said.

“The technology is there and we don’t want people to feel afraid to use the technology because of fraudulent crimes. That is why we at Scotia feel it is important to host the educational seminar,” McMillan added.