Gurugram Police has successfully busted a gang of five individuals, including two women, involved in a sophisticated ATM fraud scheme. The arrest came after a complaint was filed by the branch manager of Axis Bank in Sector 10A, alleging that money was being stolen from one of their ATMs. Following the FIR, the police launched an investigation that led to the apprehension of the five accused, as reported by news agency PTI.
The modus operandi of the gang was revealed by Varun Dahiya, ACP (Crime), who explained that the scammers would install a chip set in the power plug of the ATM, allowing them to remotely control the machine. When a victim attempted to withdraw cash, the scammers would deactivate the ATM just before the money was dispensed. The two female members of the gang would then assure the victim that a refund would be processed within 24 hours. Once the victim left the ATM booth, the gang would swoop in and withdraw the cash from the machine.
The gang operated across Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad, committing four thefts using the same method in different cities. The police were able to recover Rs 23,200 in cash and a luxury car that was used in the crimes. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ahsan, Raees, Ashfaq, Nandini, and Mahak.
To protect oneself from ATM frauds, it is advised to always inspect the ATM for any suspicious attachments, avoid relying on strangers for help if your card gets stuck, contact your bank directly in such situations, and choose ATMs located in well-lit areas with security cameras. These precautions can help prevent falling victim to such scams.