ATM Fraud CPC Plans Bank Probe

Worried over swelling reports of frauds perpetrated through Automated Teller Machines (ATM) in banks, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has unveiled plans to carryout a study of activities and services of banks in the country.

Assistant Chief Quality Assurance and Development officer of South-South zone of CPC, Chief Ebenezer Emeribe who told reporters of the plans in a chat to mark the World Consumers Day in Port Harcourt on Monday, added that because of the craze by members of the public to own and operate ATM accounts, a lot of them have equally been ripped off by poor bank service and fraudsters.

Though he said the ATM has greatly reduced difficulties faced by customers in getting quick services, a lot of frauds have been perpetrated by some banks in the guise of offering guided services.

Chief Emeribe disclosed that CPC has established compliant centres to collate reports by the public that people should be alert of antics of some bankers.

The CPC officials also called on the banks to improve their services, as consumers have the right to information, safety, and quality.

He maintained that consumers should carry out what he described as simple tests’ before they buy things as they should not judge products by their face value.

Consequently, the Assistant Quality Assurance Officer of Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has warned fishermen using Gammalin 20 to kill fish to desist from doing so

Chief Emeribe said the chemical is toxic and can cause cancer in human beings. Aside that, he said the chemical is capable of killing other living things in the water.

Currently, he said gammalin 20 is only recommended for use by farmers to protect cocoa cap seed from pests, warning that the chemical is persistent in the environment and takes longer time to clean.