Ghaziabad: Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested an alleged fraudster accused of cheating ATM users by swapping their debit cards while pretending to assist them with cash withdrawals. According to police, the accused targeted customers facing difficulty at ATMs, secretly exchanged their cards, obtained their PINs, and later withdrew money from their bank accounts. During the arrest, officers recovered 50 ATM cards, ₹9,500 in cash and an iPhone. Investigators are now working to determine the full extent of the fraud and identify other members of the suspected network.
Police said the case came to light on July 13 after a complainant approached Khoda Police Station alleging that an unidentified man had offered assistance at an ATM near Kala Cement in Ghaziabad. During the interaction, the suspect allegedly swapped the victim’s ATM card with another card of the same bank and similar appearance. Shortly afterward, ₹26,150 was allegedly withdrawn from the victim’s bank account without authorization.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation. Using CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence, investigators identified the suspect.
On Wednesday, Khoda Police arrested Akash Kumar alias Akki Pandit (26) near the Indirapuram underpass. He is a resident of Chhijarsi in Sector 63, Noida.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that he specifically targeted ATM users who appeared unfamiliar with ATM operations or experienced difficulty withdrawing cash. According to police, he would gain their trust by offering assistance, take possession of their ATM card, and discreetly replace it with another card belonging to the same bank and of a similar colour. While interacting with the victims, he allegedly observed or obtained their PIN and recorded the entire process on his mobile phone. He would later use the original card to withdraw cash from ATMs across Delhi-NCR.
Police recovered 50 ATM cards, ₹9,500 in cash, an iPhone, and other material believed to be connected to the alleged fraud. Investigators are examining the recovered ATM cards to identify their legitimate owners and determine whether additional victims were targeted using the same method.
The preliminary investigation also revealed that the accused has a criminal history. Besides the present case registered at Khoda Police Station, he is reportedly wanted in three other cheating cases registered at different police stations in Delhi. Police are now analysing his mobile phone, banking records, financial transactions and digital evidence to establish whether he acted alone or as part of an organised fraud network.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), ATM card swapping remains one of the most common forms of financial fraud in India. Fraudsters typically exploit customers who appear unfamiliar with ATM procedures or who seek assistance from strangers. Consumers should never hand over their ATM card to an unknown person and should always shield the keypad while entering their PIN. If assistance is required, only authorised bank personnel should be approached.
Cybersecurity experts also advise customers to immediately block their debit or credit card if they suspect it has been swapped or compromised. Any unauthorised transaction should be reported without delay to the concerned bank and the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the nearest police station to improve the chances of preventing further financial loss.
Police said the investigation is continuing to identify additional victims, trace the movement of the stolen funds and uncover any other individuals involved in the alleged fraud. Further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.
