Central bank asks banks to block cards on suspicion of data theft

The Central Bank of the UAE on Tuesday asked a few banks operating in the country to block the usage of a significant number of debit cards on suspicion of potential data compromise.

From information available from the banking industry sources, the potential data compromise was limited to single automated teller machine (ATM) and all cards suspected of data compromise have been notified to be replaced by the issuing banks.

In response to Gulf News’ queries based on information received from customers, an Emirates NBD spokesperson confirmed that on Tuesday, 26 August 2014, the bank was directed by the Central Bank of the UAE to block the usage of 69 debit cards, which were at potential risk of fraudulent misuse as they were used on an ATM of another bank which was suspected of being compromised.

As a result, the identified customers were contacted by Emirates NBD and informed of the need to replace their cards.