DBS announced on January 14, 2012, that it has blocked overseas ATM access to most accounts with immediate effect. This announcement came after the bank found out that $1 million was stolen from 700 of the banks customers. The customers can now block the usage of their cards overseas by contacting the bank. Customers who have not used their cards overseas since July 1, 2011 will not be able to do so unless they make arrangements with the bank. Customers who have used their cards overseas on or after July 1, 2011 will be able to continue to use their cards overseas. Customers can disable the use of their cards overseas by calling the bank, or at any of the bank’s branches and ATM machines.
The Commercial Affairs Department, the Singpore Police’s white-collar crime unit, charged two Malaysians on January 12, 2012, with possessing a machine and other tools to make false ATM cards. A third suspect was named in the charge on January 14, but no details were given.
On January 14, DBS Bank revealed that the two ATM machines which were compromised did not have “jitter” technology turned on. “Jitter” technology shakes the card upon insertion and removal to make it difficult for crooks to install the “skimming” devices. The bank said that current-day skimmers can compromise jitter technology. The use of jitter technology would result in an increase customer queue times.
