A viral video circulating on social media platforms claims that a mobile application named 'Bat BMS' can be used to hack into ATMs and dispense cash. The India TV Fact Check team has investigated the claim and found it to be completely false and misleading.
Origin of the Viral Video
The video shows a person using a smartphone with the Bat BMS app open, purportedly near an ATM. The individual then appears to interact with the ATM, and cash is dispensed without any card or PIN. The video has been widely shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, causing concern among viewers about the security of ATMs.
What Is Bat BMS Actually?
Bat BMS is a legitimate application available on the Google Play Store. The acronym BMS stands for Battery Management System. The app is designed to monitor and manage the battery health of Android devices. It provides information such as battery temperature, voltage, capacity, and charge cycles. It has no functionality related to ATM hacking or any form of financial fraud.
Expert Analysis Debunks the Claim
Cybersecurity experts have analyzed the video and confirmed that it is a fabrication. According to Rajesh Kumar, a cybersecurity analyst at Quick Heal, "The video is clearly doctored. There is no app that can hack an ATM. ATMs have multiple layers of security, and they are not connected to the internet in a way that allows remote access via a simple app."
Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a statement warning against such fake videos. The RBI clarified that ATMs are secure and that no app can be used to hack them. The central bank urged the public not to fall prey to such misleading content and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
How the Video Was Manipulated
The video appears to have been created using video editing software. The part showing the ATM dispensing cash is likely a separate clip that was overlaid onto the footage of the person using the app. Additionally, the app interface shown in the video does not match the actual Bat BMS app interface. The real app displays battery statistics, not any hacking options.
Similar Hoaxes in the Past
This is not the first time such a hoax has gone viral. In the past, similar videos claiming that apps like 'ATM Hack' or 'Money Generator' could hack ATMs have been debunked. These videos typically rely on the same technique: showing a fake app interface and then cutting to footage of an ATM dispensing cash. The goal is often to trick people into downloading malicious software or sharing the video for engagement.
Impact and Public Response
The viral video has caused unnecessary panic among the public. Many users expressed concern about the security of their bank accounts. However, after the fact check, several social media users have thanked the fact-check team for clarifying the truth. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has also taken note of the video and is working to trace its origin to prevent further spread of misinformation.
Conclusion
The claim that the Bat BMS app can hack ATMs is entirely fake. The app is a legitimate battery management tool with no hacking capabilities. The video is a product of digital manipulation. Users are advised to ignore such content and not to download any app claiming to hack ATMs, as these are often malware designed to steal personal information. Always verify information from official sources before sharing.
