By Aditya Suharmoko

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - The recent Bank Central Asia (BCA) savings account losses occurred due to unintentionally duplicating ATM cards and did not involve internet hacking, BCA said.

The fiasco has caused a total Rp 5 billion (US$535,000)loss in Toronto in Canada, Australia, Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia, BCA vice president director Jahja Setiaatmadja told a press conference Friday after meeting the central bank.

"The losses occurred due to ATM card duplication. There was no hacking or stolen PINs involved," he said.

Jahja said BCA internet banking was safe. "The only way to hack e-banking is by accessing someone?s PIN and token [an electronic key to activate transactions]."

To protect depositors, BCA has installed an anti-skimming machine, he said.

But the best way to anticipate scams is by changing PINs often, he added.

"Never give your PIN to anyone else, including your spouse," he said.

Depositors who have lost money can call BCA on 500888.

Jahja said BCA would return their money within 72 hours. "We assure you that your funds are safe."

The central bank said the issue affected 200 customers at six banks ? BCA, Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), Bank Permata and Bank Internasional Indonesia.

BNI suffered Rp 220 million in losses while BRI suffered Rp 49 million.

BNI consumer director Darwin Suzandi suggested depositors be careful while entering their PIN at ATMs. "Always cover it with your hand."