South African arrested for running ATM card scam in Phuket

PHUKET: Police arrested a South African in possession of 72 bank cards early this morning for allegedly skimming ATMs at popular tourist beach towns along Phuket’s west coast.

“Manquba Parker Ngcobo, from the Republic of South Africa, was identified as a suspected ATM skimmer after a police investigation revealed that he had been withdrawing money using multiple bank cards in Patong, Kata and Karon between June 17 and19,” said Phuket Provincial Commander Krajang Suwannarat today.

Mr Ngcobo was arrested at about 1am when he returned to his rental room at Horizon Patong Beach Resort & Spa.

“Police found 72 bank cards in a bag in Mr Ngcobo’s room, along with 28,000 baht in cash,” said Gen Krajang.

Police are not yet sure exactly how much cash Mr Ngcobo had withdrawn over the last three days.

“We will reveal the amount once it becomes available,” said Gen Krajang.

Mr Ngcobo was charged with running an ATM card scam. He remained silent during the press conference and has yet to accept or deny the charges against him, said Gen Krajang.

“As part of a crackdown on crime throughout Phuket, police and bank staff have been working together to stay ahead of ATM scams,” said Gen Krajang.

— Chutharat Plerin