A sophisticated ATM fraud operation has been uncovered in Suriname after criminals digitally manipulated banking equipment to intercept PIN codes and clone payment cards. The scheme was detected when an alert employee from Banking Network Suriname (B-NETS) noticed irregularities at an automated teller machine.
According to police spokesperson Michel Elskamp, who confirmed the incident to Starnieuws, perpetrators had installed a concealed camera at the top of the ATM’s display unit. The device was cleverly hidden behind a panel and equipped with memory storage to record customers’ entered PIN codes.
The fraud extended beyond visual surveillance. Investigators discovered that criminals had additionally placed a ‘card reader’ device inside the machine’s card slot. This apparatus captured and cloned the data from inserted payment cards, enabling the creation of counterfeit cards. When combined with the stolen PIN codes, this allowed unauthorized access to unsuspecting customers’ accounts and subsequent cash withdrawals.
The security breach came to light when a B-NETS technician, responsible for managing payment and cash withdrawal systems, identified suspicious alterations to the ATM. During inspection, the employee removed the upper display panel and uncovered the hidden camera complete with its data storage component.
Law enforcement authorities from the Livorno resort police station have launched a formal investigation following the employee’s immediate reporting of the crime. Police are working to identify those responsible for the ATM manipulation and determine the number of account holders potentially affected by the financial fraud.