Hanoi-based Vietcombank locked several customer bank cards on Thursday in a move it says will help protect their information from being stolen after using ATM machines fitted with theft devices.

A senior official at Vietcombank confirmed with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday that dozens of cards issued by the bank had been locked earlier the same day over concerns that they had been used at ATM machines attached with theft devices.

“The bank has identified and reviewed all cards that were used at these ATMs,” the official said.

According to the senior official, cards used at these ATM machines were vulnerable to identity and security information theft.

Text messages were sent to the affected customers to inform them of unlocking procedures, he said.

Those who received the message or are unable to withdraw money from ATM machines should contact the bank’s customer service center to unlock the cards.

Customers are advised to change their PIN immediately after unlocking their card and can request to replace their current card free of charge, the bank official said.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!