Visually-impaired widow loses over N2m as suspected fraudster swaps ATM card in Anambra

A visually-impaired widow in Anambra State has lost more than N2 million after an unidentified woman allegedly stole her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card under the guise of helping her. 

The incident occurred at an ATM point in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state last weekend.  

The fraud came to light on Tuesday when the widow visited her bank to report about the receipt of multiple debit alerts. 

According to bank officials, CCTV footage showed the suspect swapping the victim’s ATM card with an expired one before proceeding to withdraw the funds.  

The 42-second surveillance video, which has since gone viral showed the suspect, who was dressed in a red top and black trousers, exploiting the widow’s visual impairment while pretending to assist her.  

Recounting the ordeal at the bank on Thursday, the devastated widow said she struggled to use the ATM because to her condition. 

She said: “I went to the ATM to withdraw some cash, but I couldn’t operate the machine properly because of my condition. A lady standing nearby offered to help me,” she explained.  

READ ALSO: Police arrests three for ATM card swap in Kaduna

“She took my card, got my PIN, and swapped it with an expired one. I was unaware of what had happened until I started receiving debit alerts on my phone. Within minutes, she had withdrawn over N2 million from my account. 

“This is such a devastating experience, especially at a time when I desperately need funds to make transactions.” 

A bank official who spoke anonymously called for caution when using ATMs. 

He said: “The incident underscores the need for vigilance. Customers, particularly vulnerable individuals, should avoid disclosing their PINs to strangers. If you encounter difficulties, seek assistance from authorized bank personnel. 

“The CCTV footage shows the suspect swapping the victim’s card and proceeding to another ATM to withdraw the money. This act is extremely wicked. We urge security agencies and community members to help identify and apprehend the suspect. It is likely she resides within the community.”  

The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation to track down the suspect. 

The command spokesman,  Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.

He said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has directed the use of intelligence tools to apprehend the perpetrator.  

Ikenga said: “The Command is aware of a trending video showing a lady at an ATM in Nnewi swapping the card of a 58-year-old visually-impaired woman and withdrawing N2 million in parts. 

“The CP has directed investigators to reach out to the victim and gather all necessary information to aid the probe.”  

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