Allow me to tell you a story

Submitted by Shömi (Poland), Jan 18, 2020 at 09:26

Once upon a time I looked at my banking app and found that all my funds were missing. I figured this must have had something to do with a recent withdrawal I made at a local ATM center. There was more to it than I initially realized.

I was distracted by an important call right before entering the place. Inside I found a young man who was also busy on his phone and allowed me to go first. He pointed out to a single working ATM. The other three were out of order. Or so it said on handwritten sheets of paper. I should have known the error message is usually displayed on the screen.

I made my withdrawal and left quickly. Only to find out a few days later that the said young gentleman helped himself to the rest of my money via external card reader. My first reaction - scheming to find and kill the guy, lol. Next - feeling dumb over falling for the old trick I was well warned against.

After I came to senses my first call was to the bank. They assumed full responsibility for the vulnerability in their system, apologized and returned lost funds. I was not called stupid nor sent to a beginner course on how to operate an ATM.

I'm more careful now, but I still trust myself with a bank card. I still make my transactions via ATMs. I did not quit my account nor start a campaign against banks. And I almost feel bad for the hacker who was caught on video and will most likely end up with a stain on his record. At the end the dumb one was HE.

I also went ahead and told my story to everyone who was willing to listen. Especially neighbours who were likely to use the same banking center. I described to them how I could have avoided the mistake if I was only more observant and careful. Sure. There is people who have no money to worry about. Or those who always make their transactions at teller's desk. There is a few who will forget my advice and fall for the same trick. But if I saved one person a headache of going through the same experience, it's worth it.

Some of you already noticed the analogy I'm trying to convey between lines. My affair with a MENA guy did not cause me to lose funds. I was careful enough to sense the trap. Everything else applies. I'm not here to criticize Islam. I'm not here to bash all men everywhere, nor all Muslim men in general. My focus is on the hackers and their techniques. A particular kind of thief if you will. GET THAT.

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