News

Philippine fraudsters could face life for ATM skimming

July 6, 2017

A Philippine lawmaker has submitted legislation that would send some ATM fraudsters to prison for life.

H.B. 5934 would impose a life sentence on anyone convicted of skimming 50 or more ATM cards, and would also charge the perpetrator a fine of 1–5 million ($19,768–$98,842) Philippine pesos, according to a report by Rappler.

Rep. Ben Evardone, chairperson of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries, filed the bill following an investigation by the committee of skimming incidents at several Philippine banks.

The would make it a "crime of economic sabotage" to carry out the following:

• skimming of at least 50 ATM cards;
• bank system hacking; or
• unauthorized access to at least 50 bank applications and accounts.