Student faces two theft charges over alleged GCB ATM withdrawals

A student has been arraigned at the Dansoman Circuit Court over allegations of stealing GH¢24,849 from two GCB Bank customers through an alleged ATM card-swap scheme.

Regan Kwesi Egbe Addo, also known as Morgan Addo, is facing two separate charges of stealing and has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities say Addo’s alleged method involved gaining victims’ trust by posing as a bank staff member, observing their PIN entries, and manipulating ATM cards to make unauthorized withdrawals.

According to the prosecution, the first incident occurred on September 17, 2025. The accused is alleged to have approached a customer at the Ministries ATM in Accra, offering assistance, and subsequently requested to “clean the ATM card chip” — an action that investigators claim enabled him to swap the card.

The complainant’s funds, totaling GH¢14,949, were reportedly withdrawn at multiple locations across Accra, including areas around the Kempinski Hotel and Airport City Shell Fuel Station, without authorization. CCTV footage obtained from the bank was instrumental in tracing the accused’s movements.

In the second case, the accused allegedly used a similar tactic on December 23, 2025, targeting a female GCB Bank customer and Ministry of Fisheries staff member. GH¢9,900 was reportedly withdrawn following the alleged card swap at approximately 4:40 p.m.

The complainant filed a report after learning that the suspect had been arrested and added to a police wanted list for alleged ATM-related thefts in the Accra Central Division.

The court granted Addo bail and scheduled a case management conference for March 11, 2026. Prosecutors were instructed to submit their witness statements and disclosures prior to the next hearing.

Security experts say the case underscores the growing risk of social engineering and ATM fraud. Customers are urged to be vigilant, shield their PINs when using ATMs, and avoid accepting unsolicited assistance, even from individuals claiming to be bank staff.

“This is a reminder that ATM users must be cautious and observant at all times,” said a local banking security consultant. “Simple steps like covering your PIN and not allowing strangers to handle your card can prevent losses.”