Miscreants now using ATM cash trapping technique to dupe customers in Bhubaneswar, Puri

There has been a rise in digital transactions across the country. But at the same time, people are still dependent on banks and ATMs to meet their monetary needs. However, those visiting ATM kiosks need to be extra cautious as the miscreants are resorting to new tactics to dupe people.

Now fraudsters are using ATM cash-trapping methods to cheat people of their hard-earned money. ATM cash trapping is a method used by fraudsters to attack an ATM and steal money without causing any physical damage.

Sources said that in such type of fraud, miscreants insert a device in an ATM. As a result, the ATM blocks the issue of money, causing the cardholder to believe the ATM is malfunctioning and cash would be returned in case of a failed transaction.

The device installed by fraudsters traps cash that is allotted by the cash dispenser to the customers. When a customer enters his PIN to withdraw cash, money is debited from their account, but cash doesn’t come out. A customer usually returns thinking that there is a cash shortage in the ATM and that money will be refunded by the concerned bank.

From CCTV footage examination, it has been observed that such types of crimes have taken place in several parts of Puri and Bhubaneswar. At least 5 cases have been reported in Bhubaneswar alone. The Commissionerate Police has registered three cases and started an investigation.