7 ATM frauds in 3 wks: Cop lens on Bihar, J’khand links
Times of India | 9 March 2025
Kolkata: At least seven ATM fraud cases in Kolkata and its suburbs have been reported in the past three weeks. Cops said the number, beginning with 896, appears to be the most important clue as it was glued to the unguarded ATM machines as the helpline/ATM engineer's contact number where fraudsters struck.
According to the mobile service provider's information, the SIM card for this number was purchased under the name of one Sahibuddin from Giridih, Jharkhand. However, the phone has been switched off since Feb 23.
The modus operandi involves fraudsters tampering with the machine by placing a device or adhesive to trap cards, and posing as helpful bystanders to gain the victim's trust. They convince the users to share their PIN under the guise of tech support, then withdraw money once the victim leaves.
"In each case, whether at Survey Park or Behala Chowrasta, after the fraud, gang members would tear off the paper with the number and escape," said an officer. KP has advised citizens to avoid unguarded ATMs and never share PIN. The Jharkhand and Bihar links in these ATM frauds is becoming clearer, cops said.
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