Banks issue warning on ATM skimming activities

The Payment Card Industry Association of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Banks’ Association in a brief joint statement yesterday urged the public to inform their respective banks immediately in the event of any suspicious transaction noticed on their account.

The statement came in the wake of complaints from some customers that their savings/ current accounts have been debited through fraudulent ATM withdrawals.

“This was a result of some card data that has been compromised through ATM skimming activities, where cloned cards have been created to make these fraudulent withdrawals.

No sooner receiving the complaints, the member banks have taken prompt action to attend to the complaints received and credit the accounts upon verification,” the joint statement said.

In addition, it said the banks proactively contacted the customers whose cards had been used at identified ATM locations, where the skimming had taken place. “We wish to confirm that all member banks have taken steps to bring the situation under control no sooner the compromised details were identified. Also, as a body, all banks are working collectively with the relevant authorities to bring the fraudsters to justice.

We also wish to inform the public that the ATM networks and cards are safe for transacting.

The public is also advised to subscribe for the SMS transaction alert facility through their respective banks,” the statement noted.