Widespread ATM fraud has caused panic across the UAE. The fraud is thought to have started after a network, in which banks share sensitive information such as customer pins, was breached. Once the PIN codes were accessed, counterfeit cards were created and used to make illegal transactions all over the world. Subsequently, Lloyds TSB, Citibank, HSBC, Dubai Bank, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and others stopped withdrawals from UAE-issued cards in several countries and put limits on local withdrawals. Many, however, still reported large sums of money being siphoned off from personal accounts and the banks have assured their customers hit by this fraud that they will be fully re-funded. One victim, Miriam al-Hilali, told The National that the thieves appeared to know her personal details as the two sums of money taken out were just below her daily limit of $1,400. Text messages were sent by some of
