Hundreds of Santander customers from Wielkopolska were victims of organized money theft from accounts. How did these events happen, who lost the money, and what about the bank? Learn the latest facts about fraud and see how to protect yourself from another wave of attacks.
How Money Was Stealed
The stealing of Santander's customers' money in Wielkopolska had a very wide range – police registered almost 70 reports of unauthorized withdrawals, and the number of victims exceeded 235 people, for a total of over PLN 5 million. The perpetrators acted quickly and professionally, using so-called "scan cartridges" installed on the ATMs of the cooperating network. These covers allow you to intercept card and PIN data and then clear accounts of individual people in different cities – from Krakow to Wrocław.
The police in Kujawsko-Pomeranian and Wielkopolska provinces are investigating the missing money from the accounts of one of the banks. Since Saturday, officers have accepted over 50 notifications in Kujawsko-Pomorskie and almost 70 in Poznań. All notifications relate to unauthorised withdrawals from individual accounts. The police don't reveal the bank. Those who have noticed suspicious transactions should report immediately to the police, taking their ID, account number and account history with unauthorized withdrawals.
The victims were mostly individual customers and micro-entrepreneurs using ATMs in Wielkopolska and adjacent voivodships. In the case of unauthorized transactions, there were withdrawals from several hundred to several thousand zlotys, including life savings.
Mode of action of perpetrators
Criminals created a specialized infrastructure, installing cartridges on selected ATMs of the network cooperating with Santander. The cover allowed for interception of data used to withdraw funds in other cities of Poland – such actions indicate an organized group with access to technology and an action plan.
Santander Bank reaction – Statement
Santander immediately issued a message, ensuring customers that their resources are safe. After the irregularities were detected, all cards at stake were secured, and the bank began an in-depth analysis in collaboration with the ATM operator and police. The bank announced the return of the lost money by Monday, as well as implemented procedures to prevent further action by criminals.
How many people were injured, and what is the scale of the loss?
According to the latest data, the number of victims exceeded 235 people and the total loss amounted to over PLN 5 million. Applications are still coming from Wielkopolska as well as neighbouring regions, which demonstrates the strong impact of this criminal action.
How do you protect yourself from such theft?
Always check the look of the ATM before using it. The caps can protrude, have unusual elements or look suspicious.
Don't make a deal with ATMs that cause anxiety.
Monitor your account regularly and report any suspicious transaction.
Use SMS notifications for every withdrawal from your account.
The bank implements additional security measures, cooperates with the ATM operator and law enforcement authorities, while calling for each case to be reported.
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