An organized gang of IT experts, involved in hacking Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and defrauding citizens, has been apprehended in Karachi. The operation, led by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), resulted in the arrest of the gang, which included a female accomplice, according to officials.
The SSP reported that the gang’s method involved hacking ATMs and positioning themselves outside banks. When a card became stuck in an ATM, a gang member would pose as a helper by calling the helpline. During the interaction, they would collect the victim’s password and other sensitive details.
In a recent case in Nazimabad, a senior citizen was defrauded of Rs450,000. CCTV footage captured the crime, showing the woman and two accomplices in action.
The police revealed that the gang had carried out similar fraudulent operations across several cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Efforts are underway to dismantle their entire network. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant while using ATMs and avoid accepting assistance from strangers.
Experts have also warned ATM card holders about the risks associated with easily guessable passwords. Users are advised against using personal information, such as their date of birth or name, as their PIN codes. This warning follows a similar incident in India, where a thief was arrested for stealing large sums from bank accounts by exploiting easily identifiable PIN numbers.
