ATM Fraud Suspect Reveals How He Defrauded Bank Customers in Cross River

A suspected ATM fraudster has reportedly confessed to defrauding unsuspecting bank customers by pretending to offer assistance at automated teller machine (ATM) points in Calabar, Cross River State.

The suspect was arrested on October 6, 2026, and paraded by the Cross River State Police Command on Tuesday, October 20, according to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah. His identity was not disclosed in the police statement.

According to the police, the suspect targeted customers who appeared to need help operating ATMs. He allegedly took advantage of their trust to obtain their bank cards and observe their personal identification numbers (PINs), which he later used to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

The suspect reportedly admitted to using the scheme to deceive customers into believing they were carrying out normal transactions while he retained their cards. Victims would subsequently discover that their cards were missing and their accounts had been debited.

Police said the suspect allegedly worked with an accomplice who acted as a getaway driver. The accomplice remains at large, while investigations into the case continue. The command also said officers had been working with bank managers to address reported cases of ATM fraud in the area.

The police advised bank customers to avoid handing their cards or PINs to strangers, shield ATM keypads when entering their PINs, and ensure they have their cards in their possession after every transaction. Customers who discover that their cards are missing were urged to contact their banks immediately to block them and report the incident.
The police have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or announced the outcome of any court proceedings in the reports reviewed.