A suspected ATM fraudster has explained how he allegedly deceives bank customers, steals their cards and memorises their personal identification numbers (PINs) to defraud them.

The suspect said he usually waits at ATM points for customers who appear to need assistance, exploiting their trust to carry out the alleged scheme.

“I do go to the ATM machine to lie in wait for gullible customers who believe whatever I may tell them, and people that seek for help too,” he said.

He explained that he activates the cardless transaction option on the ATM while making customers believe their cards are still inside the machine.

According to him, he watches as customers select their preferred transactions, including withdrawals, transfers or balance inquiries, and enter their PINs.

He allegedly memorises their PINs before leaving the premises, having withheld their ATM cards. The victims later discover that their cards are missing and their bank accounts have been debited.

Police spokesman Eitokpah said the suspect allegedly worked with a getaway driver who was still being sought by the command.

He added that the divisional police officer in charge of the area had been tracking the suspect and had previously met with bank managers to address reported fraudulent activities around ATM points.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant when using ATMs and avoid surrendering their cards or disclosing their PINs to strangers offering assistance.