The dangers of people failing to alert banks of lost or missing bank cards have been highlighted following a failed attempt to purchase a new car from a Bahrain showroom.
A man, described as an Arab national by the authorities, has been placed in provisional detention for allegedly using stolen cards issued by local and foreign banks to purchase a vehicle in the kingdom, the Public Prosecution said in a statement yesterday.
According to the Public Prosecution, a report on the defendant, whose age was not disclosed, was filed by an electronic payment company after they discovered what they described as ‘suspicious transactions’ on its platform, amounting to BD14,100.
The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security launched an investigation, which led to the identification of the suspect.
Following the report, the Public Prosecution initiated its own investigations, during which ‘the suspect admitted to collaborating with an individual residing outside Bahrain to exploit the car showroom’s electronic payment link in order to pay part of the vehicle’s cost’, the statement added.
A total of eight local bank cards were also allegedly found in his possession. Investigations continue and legal proceedings will follow.
The authorities recorded witness testimonies confirming that, after the suspect completed the payment transaction, complaints were received from the cardholders denying knowledge or authorisation of the payments.
This resulted in halting the vehicle’s delivery and notifying the relevant security authorities.
Consequently, the prosecution ordered the suspect’s detention, the examination of seized electronic devices, and coordination with the relevant banks.
The Cybercrime Prosecution affirmed the Public Prosecution’s commitment to protecting society from the dangers of electronic fraud in all its forms, by continuing efforts to combat the illicit use of online payment links and safeguarding the digital financial environment.
It also urged all citizens and residents to ‘exercise the utmost caution’ when using electronic payment methods, stressing that the authorities will continue to take firm legal measures to protect financial rights and preserve Bahrain’s digital economic security.
People with stolen or lost bank cards should immediately call their bank or financial institution to report it as such and to tell them to stop all transactions on that card.
This can often be done using their mobile applications, online banking portal, or by simply calling the customer service number on their website.
In most cases, the bank will block the card to prevent further unauthorised transactions, and will then issue a new card.
Additionally, they should review their recent transactions carefully with the bank representative to identify any charges they didn’t make or authorise.
Keep a close eye on bank statements for the next few months to ensure there are no further fraudulent activities.
Any recurring bills or subscriptions linked to the lost card will need to be updated with the new card details once it arrives.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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