A late-night ATM fraud attempt in Delhi’s Dwarka area was thwarted after two alleged repeat offenders were caught while trying to retrieve cash trapped inside an ATM machine. Police claim the arrests have not only prevented another financial fraud but have also helped crack five separate ATM cheating incidents reported in the Dwarka region on the same day.
According to investigators, the accused had developed a simple yet deceptive method to target unsuspecting ATM users. By inserting specially designed steel plates inside the cash-dispensing slot of an ATM, they allegedly prevented money from being delivered to customers despite successful debit transactions. Once customers assumed the machine had malfunctioned and left the premises, the suspects would return to remove the plate and collect the trapped cash.
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Alert Customer Helps Catch Suspects
The incident came to light when a customer visited an ATM kiosk in Sector-7, Dwarka, to withdraw cash. Although the transaction was processed and the amount was deducted from the customer’s bank account, no money emerged from the machine. Initially believing it to be a technical glitch, the customer remained near the kiosk and soon noticed two men attempting to remove a metallic object from the cash dispenser. Sensing foul play, he raised an alarm, drawing the attention of passersby and nearby police personnel.
Acting swiftly, patrolling officers reached the ATM kiosk and intercepted the suspects before they could flee. The two men were taken into custody, and the cash allegedly withdrawn from the ATM was recovered from them. Police also seized a motorcycle believed to have been used during the operation, along with three steel plates that investigators suspect were specifically modified for carrying out the fraud.
Accused Linked to Multiple Fraud Cases
The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Hussain, 30, and Mohammad Aabid, 36, both residents of Haryana’s Nuh district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo travelled between different ATM locations on a motorcycle, installing steel plates inside cash-dispensing slots and later returning to collect trapped money after customers had departed.
During questioning, investigators reportedly discovered that both men have prior criminal records. Police records indicate that Mohammad Aabid has been linked to five earlier cases, while Mohammad Hussain has allegedly been involved in four previous criminal matters. Authorities are now examining whether the suspects acted independently or were connected to a wider network engaged in ATM-related frauds across multiple districts.
A significant breakthrough emerged during the investigation when police connected the duo to five ATM fraud incidents reported in Dwarka on the same day. Investigators believe the suspects may have followed a coordinated route, targeting multiple machines within a short period. CCTV footage from various ATM kiosks, banking transaction records, and forensic evidence are being analysed to establish the full extent of their activities.
Officials are also exploring whether similar complaints reported in neighbouring areas could be linked to the same modus operandi. If evidence confirms their involvement in additional cases, further charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
Expert Advice and Public Safety Warning
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that criminals involved in ATM-related frauds often exploit both technical vulnerabilities and customer impatience. He noted that whenever a transaction is debited but cash is not dispensed, customers should immediately report the matter to their bank and local authorities rather than leaving the location without verification. He also advised users to inspect ATM cash slots for signs of tampering and remain alert to suspicious individuals loitering near machines.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution while using ATMs and to carefully inspect machines for unusual attachments or signs of manipulation. Customers have been advised to retain transaction receipts and promptly report failed cash withdrawals. Authorities believe public awareness, combined with enhanced surveillance and timely reporting, remains crucial in preventing such frauds and protecting consumers from financial losses. Investigations into the accused, their possible associates, and any broader criminal network are continuing.
