It must have been some weeks ago that one of the regular columnists for ‘This Day’ newspapers published a piece on corruption among the political class in Nigeria. Considering the reality of the issue and the myriad of daily articles on it a discourse like that should not be news to anybody. What was striking was that a week after that article was published, the columnist followed up by publishing a rejoinder.

This rejoinder sent in by someone whom I suppose is a politician, sought to highlight the lopsidedness in the anti-corruption campaign. According to him/her, civil servants were just as guilty if not more in the pilfering of our commonwealth and even worse, were the chief recruiters or converters of hitherto incorrupt politicians. The underlying motif of the fellow’s rejoinder was the heavy-handed pursuit of politicians in the anti-corruption fight: and the near neglect of, or lack of focus on, other possibly corrupt members of the public workspace. I thought it was a fascinating piece. Not because the points made were counter-intuitive but because a representation of such supposedly obvious facts had been previously largely overlooked.

Buried in this back and forth analogies and several other discourses on corruption is the failure to call, appreciate and handle this thing for what it truly is—stealing. Public and private stealing has since become endemic in our socio-economic fabric and has gradually become a part of our norm and culture. This social ‘non-value’ finds expression in that oft-quoted and abused phrase “na where person dey work, na there him for dey chop”. In a bid for crass enrichment, thieving elements employed in both public and private enterprises resort to all sorts of gimmicks to make a fast buck. The near absence, and in some cases, misplacement of the rule of law (apologies to the EFCC, ICPC and others) provides a leeway for these thieves in our midst.

In the recent past, we have seen or read several cases of stealing from within the public sphere but unknown to many, privately employed citizens are almost equally involved in this thieving business. But they – these privately employed – have largely evaded scrutiny because unlike the treatment meted out to their public counterparts, their own linens are washed in private. The case for the scrutiny of our private enterprise employees was brought home very recently by a phone call my wife received from Nigeria and the unfolding story thereafter.

My sister-in-law, who I would simply refer to as Mrs. O., opened a current account with First Bank PLC (Industrial Estate, Oba Akran Avenue Branch) many years ago. A couple of years ago, about the time the Soludo bank consolidation exercise was rounding up, some of the emerging banks got caught by the ATM machine bug as the next step in their bid to better serve customers. First Bank, not wanting to be left out of this new craze of driving customer satisfaction, jumped on the bandwagon.

Essentially, customers were requested to make ATM withdrawals up to specific limits (N60,000.00 per day in the case of First Bank) from the ATM machines. They could also enjoy the benefits of making purchases at designated ‘points of sales’ simply by swiping their ATM cards at the checkout center under a cashless system. As obtains in more developed nations were this system had been in practice, every ATM card and the holder is given a PIN which can be changed confidentially at the behest of the customer. Like most First Bank current account holders, Mrs. O. was issued an ATM card to avail her of these benefits. Or so it seemed.

She made a transaction on her account on April 6, leaving a balance of N1,274,036.85. On April 20 this year, she attempted to make a regular withdrawal from her current account using her ATM card only to find that she had a balance of N636.85. Within 8 days, she had been robbed of a whopping sum in excess of N1.2 million: not at gun point but from her own current account with First Bank. After pursuing inquiries, she was told that she had made several withdrawals totaling N1,273,400.00. Mrs. O. was told that on April 9 she made 16 withdrawals totaling N312,600.00; on April 14, she withdrew 39 times a gross sum of N756,900.00; and finally on April 15 she made 12 withdrawals totaling N223,100.00. She has since denied this claim vehemently and requested that her account be credited back with her money. First Bank has remained adamant in their claim of non-liability for the stolen funds. On her part, Mrs. O. is presently pursuing all avenues to obtain relief in this matter. Bringing this issue to the public space to create awareness and provide a forum for other (maybe timid) victims is one of such.

Considering the maximum withdrawal limit First Bank has in place, this development becomes even more bizarre. It is completely absurd that First Bank cannot see the folly in their position. How is it possible that they are unable to provide an audit trail of these transactions and show without a doubt that Mrs. O. has stolen from herself? In more reasonable climes, the U.S. for example, banks are immediately liable to refund moneys to customers based on such claims or in many instances based on purchase cancellations. The banks do this while pursuing further investigation because they and only they possess the mechanism and were-withal to investigate. The customer is completely helpless in such circumstances. At the very least, First Bank could have set aside the value of the disputed funds into an escrow or suspense account that is untouchable by either party while the investigation continues. Such an act would no doubt provide some comfort for a badly bruised and grieving customer while availing the bank time to get to the bottom of the matter.

Credit and ATM card fraud cases are common place in most developed nations and most of us know that. In 2006, because of the several losses incurred from cards fraud by the big brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB International, these notable competitors came together to create a council charged with the function of providing uniform security rules for merchants.

Mrs. O.’s case is a clear cut one of insider theft and if First Bank continues to refuse to do the needful, then it would be timely to put their customers, and indeed all Nigerians, on notice. It may also be apt to begin a sensitization exercise to draw attention to the probable ineptitude or at the extreme, culpability of their executive management in this thieving exercise. Nigerians may be passive in claiming their rights concerning public funds thievery because of the remote connection between them and the oil wells from which public resources are tapped. But a case of bank ‘pen robbery’ would not be so easily condoned. We won’t just sit by and watch innocent citizens get bankrupted by elements in First Bank who are desperate to line their pockets with ill gotten wealth. Nigerians are watching. 

Robot  # 1 | 04.07.2009 08:32

In the recent past, we have seen or read several cases of stealing from within the public sphere but unknown to many, privately employed citizens are almost equally involved in this thieving business. But they – these privately employed – have largely evaded scrutiny because unlike the treatment meted out to their public counterparts, their own linens are washed in private....Read the full article.

Igboamaeze  # 2 | 04.07.2009 09:23

------------------- I am a student of the Barkin Zuwo school of banking: put your money under/inside your pillow. Dig a hole somewhere safe and near and bury your hard-earned money there. If robbers rob you or your money get pilferred by your members, at least you know who to hold responsible or who to suspect. It is better that members of your family pilfer your money than to have it stolen by some corporate rogues. In December 2008, I was debited N20,000.00 by an ATM for an account domiciled with another bank even though no cash was dispensed. I reported promptly to my bank, filled forms and answered countless questions. Seven months later and after countless visits, phone calls, denials, corrections, more denials, corrections and all, my money is still trapped in the over-flowing cash vaults of the Banks while I grief. Bank customers lose millions of Naira to banks and their ATM/kalo-kalo machines daily without knowing it. Nigerian banks are mere kalo-kalo kiosks ran by a bunch of greedy and fashionable shylocks. The only way to avoid them is to follow in the wise foot steps of Barkin Zuwo...

Suleimana  # 3 | 04.07.2009 11:53

I can safely conclude that your Mrs. O. has been the victim of the latest form of 419. You receive an email purportedly from the switch (interswitch) or your bank where you are told that you need to provide your card details; otherwise your card will no longer function. To a cut a long story short, her card was cloned and used by fraudsters. As per the limit affair, it does not apply to POS terminals where purchases can be made without limit on amount. It is even possible that ‘voyeurs’ obtained her PIN. The banking industry is still grappling with the appropriate measures to stem the tide of e-fraud and this kind of frustrations are not un-expected. Tell Mrs. O to review her emails again. Eventually, the banks will have to improve security (although they cannot help you if you give out your PIN) and, where reasonable, refund customers. The bigger case you made cannot be ignored. People don't steal billions in Ghana must go bags- for that, you need banks. The politicians control most of the money in the economy and the banks are desperate to get their hands on it. That is where the horse-trading begins, with the banks that offer the fastest vehicle to a Swiss account more likely to grow as they win more government business. When N75billion out of N100billion intended to fund agriculture finds its way into one bank, that is a huge advantage. Passport to a Swiss account is a small price to pay. When it is all said, the politicians are the leaders and the buck stops with them. They define how business is done in the country and some of us will remain perpetual outsiders because we object. A fish rots from the head?

Ebe  # 4 | 04.07.2009 14:10

When I was in Nigeria recently I resisted the urge to obtain an ATM card. I always went to the bank physically to withdraw cash. I suffered a few minor inconveniences as a result, especially on weekends when I would have liked to have more cash, but other than that, I was fine. When I started hearing from friends about their ATM woes, I knew that my caution had paid off and I was happy that I didn't get an ATM card. My sense is that many Nigerians, especially those in the professional and middle class ranks, rush to obtain ATM cards and ignore the serious risks associated with the Nigerian ATM system because they want to appear chic. For some of my friends it's not a convenience thing but a conformist thing. I have since learnt that it pays to be a nonconformist in many of these techy things. Give it time for its integrity and reliability to be established before jumping in. Don't get me started on Nigerian banking culture. That's a topic for another day. Let me just say that my experience with Nigerian banks and bankers is that they always deal with you as though they are doing you a favor, and if there is something wrong it is always the customer's fault and never theirs.

M. Akosa  # 5 | 04.07.2009 16:03

As Oga Igboamaeze said, "the good old way of hiding money inside pillows and mattress" is the safest way to save your money in Nigeria, in fact every where these days. It is much better to loose money to family members or armed robbers than bankers. Bankers are the worst crooks, shiny, vain, flashy, fast and smooth talking, all to get their hands on your money. I hate them with a passion. They have no shame or credibility, always trading their bodies and conscience, just to meet their targets. Banks and bankers open you up for all sorts of exposures to loose your money or get dwindled in some ridiculous abracadabra investments and saving plans that never make any sense or add up.

Enyi  # 6 | 04.07.2009 17:14

Suleimana I can safely conclude that your Mrs. O. has been the victim of the latest form of 419. You receive an email purportedly from the switch (interswitch) or your bank where you are told that you need to provide your card details; otherwise your card will no longer function. Your suggestion is probably correct. I have received horde of emails from the so-called Interswitch Nigeria on the need to re-activate my ATM card on-line. In the last couple of days, I receive about 4 to 5 mails a day with a warning that this is my last chance. Interesting enough, the mails are signed by Interswitch Nigeria- no personal names or official designation. I am surprised that people will fall for such tricks. Customers get ATM cards from their banks and not from the so-called Interswitch Nigeria. It is only fair that whoever has problems with his/her ATM cards should deal directly with his/her bank and in person. There are other ways by which PINs can be fraudlently obtained. A lot has been written on these techniques. Our banks also need to improve on security and privacy for ATM transactions. A situation whereby people mill around an ATM machine and can easily sight PINs used by others is a security risk.

nijalaw  # 7 | 05.07.2009 05:14

I am quite sure that Mrs O fell for the Interswitch 419 or her pin & card # was obtained through carelessness by her & then cloned. I can't really blame her as anyone can be a victim of fraud & she should pursue her case even if it has to end in the law courts & she should not be deterred as the usual trick is to wear you down & you leff am for God. The bank should be able to provide her with where these withdrawals were made for further investigation. If you have an ATM card or intend to, please ensure you subscribe to Mobile Alerts, this will alert you of Debits or Credits to your account via text message. This is simple & it just entails making a request or filling out a form at your bank.You can also obtain from the bank or they will alert you via text of a number you can quickly send a text to for your account to be suspended in the event of an illegal withdrawal. @Igboamaeze, I did post some advice before on the usage of ATM's on another thread. If you want to withdraw, make sure it is your Banks ATM & always use the ones that are located within the banks premises. It is easier to get your money back in the event of cash not being dispensed when withdrawing, I have always gotten mine. Avoid the ones at Bars, Nightclubs, Hotels, Supermarkets etc. I have seen people who are handicapped in the usage of ATM's completely surrender their cards & pin numbers to strangers trying to help them, some are genuine & some are not. I know those who give their cards to friends & relations to use & return. These are just some of the ways fraudsters obtain information to clone cards. I have used ATM's since their inception & I have had no problem at all & to me their great.

Suleimana  # 8 | 05.07.2009 08:31

see sample fraud letter Dear InterSwitch Value Customer, InterSwitch is pleased to notify our online banking customers that we have successfully upgraded to a more secure and encrypted SSL servers to serve our esteemed customers for a better and more efficient banking services in the year 2009. Due to this recent upgrade you are requested to update your ATM CARD information by following the reference below. using our new secure and safe SSL servers. To validate your ATM CARD account click on UPGRADE MY ATM CARD SECURITY. This Email has being sent to all our Bank customers, and it is compulsory to follow as failure to verify account details will lead to account suspension. Thank you. ©InterSwitch Nigeria Limited

denker  # 9 | 05.07.2009 09:09

=Suleimana;369186>see sample fraud letter Dear InterSwitch Value Customer, InterSwitch is pleased to notify our online banking customers that we have successfully upgraded to a more secure and encrypted SSL servers to serve our esteemed customers for a better and more efficient banking services in the year 2009. Due to this recent upgrade you are requested to update your ATM CARD information by following the reference below. using our new secure and safe SSL servers. To validate your ATM CARD account click on UPGRADE MY ATM CARD SECURITY. This Email has being sent to all our Bank customers, and it is compulsory to follow as failure to verify account details will lead to account suspension. Thank you. ©InterSwitch Nigeria Limited Nne, Suleimana, I was rocked to high hells of ecstasy/anxiety/disappointment when my anobolic Inbox with HotMail, sponsored by MS, acknowledged the receipt of the alleged ATM-Modification/Accreditation/Upgradation be conducted by InterSwitch Nigeria Limited. You gotta know...!, ain't a stalkingholder(whatever that's) in Nigerian Banks, infact, i didn't know there's anything like ATM in Nigeria....Nne, Suleimana, What do you think Nigerians like to do plenty frauds, nowadays..:icon_ques

Igboamaeze  # 10 | 05.07.2009 09:27

=nigerdelta666;369188>Nne, Suleimana, I was rocked to high hells of ecstasy/anxiety/disappointment when my anobolic Inbox with HotMail, sponsored by MS, acknowledged the receipt of the alleged ATM-Modification/Accreditation/Upgradation be conducted by InterSwitch Nigeria Limited. You gotta know...!, ain't a stalkingholder(whatever that's) in Nigerian Banks, infact, i didn't know there's anything like ATM in Nigeria....Nne, Suleimana, What do you think Nigerians like to do plenty frauds, nowadays..:icon_ques ---------------------- Mazi nigerdelta666, Wetin konsain Nne with a man? Abi na wafi lingo be dat one? Abeg, Nne na for woman while Nna na for man; except na so una de talkam for wafi. Anyway, back to the ATM and its many wahala...

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