- CCTV footage revealed that the suspect, dressed in a red top and black trousers, took advantage of the widow’s visual impairment while pretending to assist her
A visually-impaired widow in Anambra State has fallen victim to fraud after an unidentified woman allegedly stole her ATM card and withdrew over N2 million from her account within minutes.
The incident occurred over the weekend at an ATM point in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area, and was discovered on Tuesday when the widow lodged a complaint with her bank after receiving multiple debit alerts.
CCTV footage revealed that the suspect, dressed in a red top and black trousers, took advantage of the widow’s visual impairment while pretending to assist her. The 42-second video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the suspect swapping the widow’s ATM card with an expired one.
Recounting her ordeal at the bank on Thursday, the widow described her vulnerability at the ATM.
“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 said.
“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 Within minutes, she had withdrawn over N2 million from my account.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, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned customers against sharing their PINs with strangers.
“The incident underscores the need for vigilance when using ATMs. Seek assistance only from authorized bank personnel if you encounter difficulties,” the official said.
The official added that CCTV footage captured the suspect withdrawing money at another ATM shortly after the card swap. “This act is extremely wicked. We urge security agencies and community members to help identify and apprehend the suspect, who is likely a resident of the community.”
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had been launched.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has ordered the deployment of intelligence-gathering tools to track the suspect.
The police have urged anyone with information to come forward to aid their investigation.
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