ATM frauds in Kochi, man steals money via new modus operandi

KOCHI: The police have intensified search for a suspected North Indian man who tampered with ATM machines and stole money from 13 ATMs of South Indian Bank. The CCTV visuals of the man stealing without even covering his face, has been released.

He managed to cheat money through a new modus operandi. He committed the fraud after covering the part the money comes, using a paper. It is also doubtful whether he had used something like a scale. When the customer tries to withdraw money, no cash will be obtained and immediately after that, the thief enters, removes the barrier and withdraws cash. He enters the ATM before the customers enter and then will cover the money coming part of the machine.

Police said that he withdrew Rs 25,000 from ATMs in Kalamasery and Tripunithura areas. The customers informed the bank after they lost money from their accounts and they informed the police. People who lost around Rs 10,000 complained to the bank.

The fraud took place at the ATMs in Kalamasery, Tripunithura, Thiruvankulam, Vyttila, Kadavanthra, Chendamangalam, Edappally and Banerji Road. The police are conducting an investigation after collecting the CCTV visuals. Thrikkakara ACP P V Baby said that they have received information about the fraudster and he will be arrested soon. It is also being investigated if there are more people behind the incident.