Gang arrested for using adhesive to steal ATM cards at stations

A criminal gang has been apprehended for operating an ingenious ATM fraud scheme that targeted cardholders across multiple locations. The accused were arrested while travelling on the Patna Express, following investigations that exposed their modus operandi.

The gang's method was deceptively simple yet effective. Members would position themselves near ATM centres and strategically apply Fevikwik, a strong adhesive, inside the card slot mechanism. When unsuspecting customers attempted to withdraw cash, their cards would become trapped in the slot due to the adhesive application.

Confused by the machine malfunction, victims would often abandon their cards or attempt to retrieve them manually, allowing the fraudsters to step in with offers of assistance. The criminals would then exploit the situation to either steal the cards or obtain sensitive banking information from distressed customers.

The investigation revealed the gang had targeted numerous ATM locations, accumulating substantial gains through their coordinated scheme. Police have registered cases against the arrested individuals and are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify additional victims.

The incident highlights the evolving tactics used by organised crime groups to exploit gaps in public infrastructure. Banks and authorities are advised to increase surveillance at ATM centres and educate customers about such fraud mechanisms.