Mau, Uttar Pradesh: In a swift and well-coordinated operation, the police successfully dismantled an inter-state gang involved in ATM card theft and fraud by arresting five accused and recovering incriminating materials from their possession. The gang had been cheating unsuspecting citizens by trapping ATM cards using adhesive and subsequently withdrawing money from victims’ accounts.
During the operation, police recovered 13 ATM cards, 9 mobile phones, ₹18,600 in cash, and one four-wheeler used in committing the crimes. The accused had devised a deceptive method of pasting fake “Customer Care” numbers on the walls of ATM kiosks and applying adhesive on the ATM card slots. When victims found their cards stuck, they were misled into calling the fake helpline number on the pretext of assistance. The fraudsters would then stealthily retrieve the cards using tools and misuse them to withdraw cash from other ATMs.
The prompt detection of the modus operandi and swift action by the police prevented further financial losses to the public and brought relief to several victims. The crackdown reflects the police department’s firm and zero-tolerance approach towards organized financial fraud and cyber-enabled crimes.
The successful operation has been widely appreciated by the public and serves as a strong warning to fraudsters. Police have also advised citizens to remain alert at ATM kiosks, avoid calling numbers displayed by unknown persons, and immediately report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or helpline.
