ATM card swap scam: Fraudsters steal Rs 1.7L from Hazaribag villager

Chatra: A resident of Holang village in Hazaribag district fell victim to an ATM card swap fraud, losing Rs 1.7 lakh to scamsters on Thursday. The incident occurred at SBI's Tatijharia branch ATM.

Parameshwar Mahto, the victim, reported that while withdrawing Rs 5,000, two unknown persons engaged him in conversation. One of them observed his PIN during the transaction and managed to swap his debit card. Mahto realized the fraud only after receiving multiple transaction alerts later that evening, discovering a different card in his possession.

The fraudsters made unauthorized withdrawals across various locations in Jharkhand, including Vishnugarh, Dhanbad, Katras Mor, Jharia, and Ratu Road Ranchi. Additionally, they made purchases worth Rs 73,000 at a home appliances showroom in Dhanbad.

Tatijharia police station officer-in-charge Saroj Singh Chaudhary confirmed that an FIR has been registered following Mahto's complaint on Friday. The police have initiated an investigation and will examine ATM surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators.

The incident highlights the growing menace of ATM fraud and the importance of maintaining vigilance during financial transactions. Police are working to track down the suspects through CCTV footage and transaction records.