Karachi: ATM Hacking Gang of IT Experts Caught
An organized gang of IT specialists involved in hacking Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and scamming citizens has been exposed in Karachi.
The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) uncovered the group during a targeted operation, identifying a female member among the culprits.
According to the SSP, the gang operated by hacking ATMs and positioning themselves near banks. When a citizen’s card became stuck in the ATM, a gang member would pose as a helper, pretending to call the helpline. During the fake call, they would extract the victim’s PIN and other sensitive details.
In one incident in Nazimabad, a senior citizen was defrauded of Rs450,000. CCTV footage captured the crime, clearly showing a woman and her two accomplices in action.
Police revealed that this gang has committed similar crimes in multiple cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the entire network.
Caution for ATM Users
Citizens are urged to remain cautious while using ATMs and avoid seeking or accepting assistance from strangers.
Experts warn that certain ATM cardholders are more vulnerable to losing their savings due to weak PIN choices. Bank account holders are advised to avoid using easily guessable information like their date of birth or commonly known personal details as passwords.
In a recent case in India, a thief exploited this weakness, withdrawing thousands by using victims’ birthdates as PIN codes.
For more details: Beware of Unsafe ATM PIN Choices!
