More persons have complained of being victimized through alleged Automated Teller Machine skimming in Bacolod City.

ATM skimming is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic strip of a credit or ATM card through a skimming device. Scammers use the information stolen to access somebody's account, manufacture counterfeit cards or use in online transactions, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas website said.

In the past weeks, several persons, including a media personality, were victimized by ATM skimming.

The recent complainant against ATM skimming is a soldier, 38, of Barangay 35 in Bacolod, whose name the DAILY STAR withheld for security reasons.

The victim told the police yesterday that he was supposed to withdraw from the ATM machine at a bank at Luzuriaga Street in Bacolod, about 4 p.m. Monday. However, he was shocked when he saw that only P376.99 was left on his account.

He said he went to the main office of the bank to ask for help from the staff, and later they discovered that someone had withdrawn P4,000 from his account.

The soldier added that his last transaction was on October 29, 2015 at a bank at Rizal Street.

The BSP is reminding owners of ATM accounts to always look for possible skimming devices, usually attached at ATM terminals, before making any transactions to avoid copying of their information and Personal Identification Numbers.

Use only ATMs in highly visible and well-lighted areas, and if possible, do not share personal information or PINs with anyone, the BSP also said.

When using credit cards, holders must keep an eye on them every time they are used. Make sure you get it back as quickly as possible, also shred old receipts and billing statements and destroy old cards properly, the BSP added.*SGG

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