What Is The New ATM Fraud That Traps Cards? Here's Why You Should Be Extra Alert

Authorities have issued a warning to the public following a rise in ATM fraud cases. Fraudsters have adopted a new tactic by tampering with ATM card readers, causing cards to become stuck during transactions. They then offer assistance to victims, gaining access to their PIN and subsequently withdrawing money once the victims have left.

What Is The New ATM Fraud That Traps Cards?

A recent report by the Times of India has uncovered a new ATM scam orchestrated by fraudsters. In this scheme, the scammers remove the card reader from an ATM, trapping the customer's card inside the machine during a transaction. Subsequently, they offer assistance to the customer by entering their PIN. Upon the PIN's failure, they persuade the victim to file a complaint with the bank and then depart. Once the customer leaves, the scammers retrieve the card from the machine and exploit it to withdraw funds from the victim's account. This scam capitalizes on the victim's trust in strangers and their inclination to accept help in challenging situations. It's essential for ATM users to stay vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to their bank.

What Is The New ATM Fraud That Traps Cards? Here's Why You Should Be Extra Alert

Scammers have devised a new method to exploit individuals using ATM machines, as reported by the Times of India. They remove the card reader, causing the customer's card to become stuck inside. Offering assistance, they request the PIN, feigning unsuccessful attempts to enter it. The customer is then encouraged to file a complaint and departs. Subsequently, the scammers retrieve the card and use it to withdraw funds.

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Group of ATM fraudsters

Police have reported the arrest of a group of ATM fraudsters on April 28. These individuals were implicated in at least 25 similar cases in the past. During their latest attempt, a passerby caught them in the act, prompting the assailants to fire shots at a kiosk in Hauz Khas. The accused were identified as Vishal Negi (30), Amit Mehra (37), and Vijay Kumar (26). Ankit Chauhan, DCP (South), informed the Times of India that police received a PCR call on April 19 regarding an attempted break-in at an ATM in Gautam Nagar, which resulted in gunfire.

Police reported the arrest of a group of ATM fraudsters on Sunday. These individuals were implicated in at least 25 similar cases in the past. During their most recent attempt, a passerby caught them in the act, leading the assailants to fire shots at a kiosk in Hauz Khas. Vishal Negi (30), Amit Mehra (37), and Vijay Kumar (26) were identified as the accused. Ankit Chauhan, DCP (South), informed the Times of India that police received a PCR call on April 19 regarding an attempted break-in at an ATM in Gautam Nagar, which resulted in gunfire.

"A police team rushed to the scene. Witnesses reported two men trying to tamper with the ATM. When confronted by the caller and others, one of the suspects brandished a firearm, shot in the air, and fled," he said. A case was registered under relevant sections of the IPC and Arms Act, and an investigation was initiated.

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The DCP further informed Times of India, "CCTV footage from nearby cameras was analysed, revealing the suspects escaping in an auto. We followed this trail, eventually identifying a vehicle. However, its registered address turned out to be fake. Traffic challans, insurance details, and violations associated with the vehicle were analyzed, leading us to an active mobile number," said the senior police officer.

According to the police, they were able to locate one of the suspects. "Following a raid, the three were nabbed successfully. Their involvement in several similar incidents in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh was revealed," he said. The police have put the three accused in judicial custody. Further investigations are being conducted to check if they were involved in other similar incidents.

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