Cybercriminals can drain bank accounts with just ATM card details – Police warn

Seized atm cards

The Delta State Police have warned Nigerians to exercise extreme caution in handling their ATM cards, as cybercriminals are now using just the details on the cards to empty victims’ bank accounts.

The police warn that fraudsters now exploit basic card details, such as the card number, expiry date, and CVV, to make unauthorised transactions. Even without physical access to the card or the victim’s phone, these criminals can carry out swift, repeated debits.

The advisory was shared by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.

He wrote, ” Please take care and be careful in handling your ATM cards. Only a picture of these details in the hands of scammers, your money is gone. They don’t need to have your pin or your phone.

“They are not required to have an OTP. All you will see is debit upon debit until your money is completely wiped out. Take care of your cards, and don’t use your cards to send people on errands to help you buy anything. Don’t say the Police did not tell you. Authorities advise Nigerians to stop handing over their cards to others, avoid sharing images of their cards online or through messaging apps, and regularly monitor their bank statements for suspicious activity.

This warning comes amid a surge in card-related fraud, as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in bypassing traditional banking security measures. Punch