Police are probing a possible ATM card-trapping racket after two Mumbai residents lost a combined Rs 89,500 in separate incidents this week. Investigators said the victims’ cards allegedly got stuck in ATM machines and were later used to withdraw money from their accounts.
Chembur case
Fortyeight-year-old Sangita Kamble, a homemaker, lost Rs 25,000 after her debit card allegedly got stuck inside a Canara Bank ATM near Jhama Chowk on June 10.
Kamble had gone to withdraw cash before travelling to Akkalkot when she noticed two young men near the ATM. After she entered her PIN and attempted to withdraw Rs 15,000, the machine failed to dispense cash, and her card got stuck.
When she sought help, one of the men directed her to a helpline number displayed at the ATM. Her husband called the number and was allegedly told that a technician would arrive later. Trusting the assurance, the couple left.
Soon after, Kamble received alerts showing withdrawals of Rs 20,000 and Rs 5000 from her account. When she returned to the ATM after visiting her bank branch, the card was no longer stuck, and the helpline sticker had disappeared. She then approached the police.
Antop Hill case
Retiree Pancham Yadav, 65, lost Rs 64,500 after a similar incident at an HDFC Bank ATM near the Sion Koliwada bridge on June 8. Yadav told police that an unidentified man was standing nearby while he was using the ATM. After he entered his PIN, his card allegedly got stuck in the machine. Unable to retrieve it, he left after contacting customer care.
Later that evening, he received alerts for four withdrawals — three of Rs 20,000 each and another of Rs 4500 — from an ATM in Wadala East, taking his total loss to Rs 64,500. Yadav suspects the man standing behind him observed his PIN, retrieved the card after he left and used it to withdraw money.
Police action
Police have registered cases under relevant Sections of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators are examining whether a gang targeting ATM users across the city is involved.
Scam exposed
Fraudsters allegedly tamper with ATM card slots using thin strips, adhesive or trapping devices, causing cards to get stuck. They then observe or record victims entering their PINs. In some cases, they pose as helpful bystanders or display fake helpline numbers. Once the victim leaves, they retrieve the card and use the stolen PIN to withdraw money before the card is blocked.
Police guidelines
>> Never leave an ATM if your card gets stuck
>> Block the card immediately through the bank’s official helpline or app
>> Avoid accepting help from strangers
>> Cover the keypad while entering your PIN
>> Verify helplines through the bank’s official website or customer care centre
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