An IT expert group involved in hacking ATMs and defrauding citizens has reportedly become active again in Karachi. In a recent incident in the Nazimabad area, the culprits withdrew Rs. 450,000 from an elderly man’s account. CCTV footage of the fraud has also surfaced.
According to SSP SIU Shoaib Memon, the suspects are IT experts who manipulate ATMs to target unsuspecting citizens. They remain near the ATMs, and when a card gets “stuck,” a group member enters the booth, pretending to assist. By dialing the helpline, they deceitfully obtain passwords and other sensitive details from the victim.
The SSP revealed that a woman is also part of the gang. While one suspect has been arrested, efforts are underway to apprehend the rest. The gang is suspected of operating in multiple cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Separately, Lahore police recently arrested a two-member gang targeting citizens withdrawing cash from ATMs in Nawab Town and Cantt. The suspects, with prior criminal records, were caught with mobile phones, weapons, and stolen cash. CCTV footage confirmed their involvement in several robberies.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant while using ATMs, avoid sharing sensitive information such as PINs or OTPs, and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. For financial safety, citizens are advised to rely only on official and verified sources.
