Prayagraj Police Crack Down on ATM Card Swapping Fraud, Arrest Accused
In a significant crackdown on financial fraud, the Prayagraj police arrested a 30-year-old man, Surendra Saroj, on Monday for allegedly cheating people through ATM card swapping schemes. Saroj, a resident of Ugaipur in Pratapgarh district, was apprehended following investigations into multiple complaints from victims who lost money from their bank accounts.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudster
The accused operated by lurking inside ATM kiosks, where he would observe victims entering their PINs during transactions. Under the guise of offering assistance, Saroj would cleverly exchange their ATM cards with dummy or expired ones. Once in possession of the genuine cards and having noted the PINs, he would later withdraw substantial amounts from the victims' accounts, exploiting their trust and vulnerability.
Evidence Seized and Case Details
During the arrest, police seized a trove of evidence, including 46 ATM cards, Rs 24,000 in cash, a laptop, a mobile phone, and two bikes from Saroj's possession. These items are believed to have been used in executing the fraudulent activities. The case came to light after a specific incident on March 11, where Saroj withdrew Rs 34,880 from a woman's account at a nationalised bank ATM booth in the Dehlupur area of Prayagraj. This prompted the registration of a formal case, leading to the arrest.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Accomplice
Authorities are actively investigating the full extent of Saroj's operations and are on the lookout for his alleged accomplice, identified as Aryan, a resident of Harnapur. The police suspect that the duo may have targeted numerous individuals across the region, and further details are expected to emerge as the probe continues. This arrest highlights the growing concerns over cybercrime and ATM fraud in urban areas, urging citizens to remain vigilant while using banking facilities.
