Beware Of This New ATM Fraud That Traps Customers’ Cards

On Sunday, Delhi police apprehended three individuals involved in a sophisticated ATM tampering scheme aimed at duping over 25 unsuspecting victims. The modus operandi involved damaging card reader slots in ATMs, causing cards to become stuck when inserted. Subsequently, the scammers preyed on the confusion of customers to extract their PIN numbers and eventually withdraw money from their accounts.

The accused – Vishal Negi (30), Vijay Kumar (26), and Amit Mehra (37) – were arrested after the police received a PCR call about an attempted break-in at an ATM in Gautam Nagar. A case has been registered while further investigation is going on. Out of the three accused, Negi and Mehra have been associated with seven similar cases in the city, as per the Economic Times.

How Does The Fraud Work?

The fraudulent operation includes tampering with ATM machines, specifically targeting the card reader mechanism. This deliberate damage led to customers’ cards being trapped inside the ATMs during withdrawal attempts. Exploiting the situation, the scamsters posed as helpful people, asking the victims to enter their PIN numbers, claiming it would resolve the issue.

When the PIN failed to work, they advised victims to report the problem to their banks. After the victim leaves, the fraudsters retrieve the trapped cards and withdraw cash.

Protecting Against ATM Frauds

• People are advised to conduct a thorough inspection of ATM machines before using them, checking for any signs of tampering, such as loose parts or unfamiliar devices.
• It is crucial to shield the keypad while entering PIN numbers to prevent potential hidden camera recording.
• Opting for ATMs within bank premises or under surveillance are more secure and safe.
• Regular monitoring of bank statements and enabling SMS alerts for transactions are recommended practices to promptly detect and prevent fraudulent activities.