Cyber Fraudsters Steal ₹53,000 at SKMCH ATM by Exploiting Technical Glitch

Cyber Fraudsters Steal ₹53,000 at SKMCH ATM by Exploiting Technical Glitch

Muzaffarpur: Cybercriminals continue to target unsuspecting bank customers by taking advantage of technical issues at ATMs. In the latest incident, fraudsters duped a man of ₹53,000 at an ATM located inside the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) campus in Muzaffarpur. The victim sought assistance after the ATM developed a technical fault, only to end up speaking with cyber fraudsters posing as bank customer care executives.

Following the incident, the victim lodged a complaint with the local police and the cyber crime unit. Authorities have launched an investigation and urged the public not to call unknown mobile numbers displayed near ATMs.

Technical Fault Leads to Cyber Fraud

According to reports, Shatrudhan Sharma had visited the SKMCH campus for personal work. Needing cash, he attempted to withdraw money from an ATM located within the hospital premises. However, the machine repeatedly displayed a technical error, preventing the transaction from being completed.

While looking for assistance, Sharma noticed a mobile number displayed near the ATM, which he assumed was the bank’s official customer care number. He dialed the number, unaware that it belonged to cybercriminals.

Fraudsters Posed as Customer Care Officials

The person who answered introduced himself as a bank customer care representative and assured Sharma that the issue would be resolved immediately. During the conversation, the fraudster asked for certain banking details under the pretext of fixing the ATM problem.

He then persuaded the victim to share OTPs and other confidential information, claiming it was necessary to complete the pending transaction. Trusting the caller, Sharma provided the requested details.

Within minutes, he began receiving SMS alerts indicating that ₹53,000 had been withdrawn from his bank account through multiple transactions.

Victim Realized the Fraud

As soon as Sharma noticed the debit messages, he realized he had been cheated. He immediately contacted his bank to block his ATM card and prevent further unauthorized transactions. He later filed a written complaint with the local police station and the cyber police.

The victim told investigators that he had called the number only to seek help with the ATM malfunction but instead became the target of a well-planned cyber scam.

Police Launch Investigation

The cyber crime unit has begun investigating the case. Officials are examining the call records associated with the mobile number used by the fraudsters and tracing the bank accounts or digital wallets where the stolen money was transferred.

Police officials stated that if such incidents are reported immediately, there is a possibility of freezing fraudulent transactions before the money is completely withdrawn. They urged victims of cyber fraud to report incidents without delay.

Beware of Fake Helpline Numbers at ATMs

Cyber security experts have warned that fraudsters often paste fake customer care numbers on or around ATM machines. When customers face technical problems, they unknowingly call these numbers and fall victim to scams.

Banks never ask customers to share confidential information such as ATM PINs, CVV numbers, OTPs, internet banking passwords, or UPI PINs over the phone. Anyone requesting such details while claiming to be a bank representative is almost certainly a fraudster.

Police Advisory for ATM Users

Muzaffarpur Police have advised the public to:

• Contact only the bank's official customer care number in case of ATM-related issues.
• Never call unknown mobile numbers displayed on ATM machines or nearby walls.
• Do not share OTPs, ATM PINs, CVV numbers, UPI PINs, or banking passwords with anyone.
• Immediately inform the bank and block the card if any suspicious transaction occurs.
• Report cyber fraud promptly through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and the official cyber crime reporting portal.
• File a complaint with the nearest cyber police station or local police without delay.

Rising Cases of Cyber Fraud

Cyber fraud cases have been increasing steadily in Muzaffarpur and across Bihar. Criminals are using various tactics, including fake KYC updates, electricity bill payment scams, bank verification calls, lottery schemes, job offers, digital arrest scams, and ATM technical fault frauds to deceive people.

Police officials emphasize that public awareness remains the strongest defense against such crimes. Customers should never disclose confidential banking information to anyone and should rely only on official banking channels for assistance.

The incident serves as another reminder that cybercriminals can exploit even a small mistake to steal large sums of money. Authorities hope that digital evidence collected during the investigation will help identify and arrest those responsible for the fraud.