LAE POLICE CONFIRMS INCREASE REPORTS OF CARD CLONE CASES
By Martha LOUIS, Lae
POLICE in Lae have raised concerns over the growing issue of bank card cloning, which has left victims with major financial losses.
Assistant Commissioner of Police for Northern Command, Peter Guinness, said the problem is worsening, with new cases reported almost every day.
“Card cloning is on the rise. In Port Moresby, two foreigners were arrested, but here in Lae, it’s happening across all banks,” Guinness said.
Since January, at least 10 victims have come forward, reporting a total loss of over K20,000.
“This is a serious problem. People are losing their hard-earned money, and many are only realizing it when their accounts are emptied,” he said.
Guinness is calling for stronger cooperation between police and banks.
“We need all banks in Lae to come together and find a way to tackle this. Police cannot handle this alone,” he stressed.
He also warned that rural visitors are especially at risk, as they may not be familiar with card security.
Guinness urged bank executives to meet with police and come up with a strategy to prevent further fraud.
