A sophisticated gang has been apprehended on the Patna Express for employing a low-tech but effective method of using Fevikwik to trap and steal ATM cards.

  • Gang utilized Fevikwik in ATM card slots to trap customer cards.
  • Suspects were apprehended during a transit operation on the Patna Express.
  • Method relied on inducing panic in victims to steal physical cards.

Law enforcement agencies have dismantled a fraudulent syndicate that targeted unsuspecting bank customers at various ATM centers. The suspects were intercepted and arrested while traveling on the Patna Express, leading to the recovery of several stolen cards and adhesive materials.

According to the investigation, the gang operated with strategic precision. They would scout ATM locations and wait for victims. Once a target was identified, the criminals applied Fevikwik, a strong instant adhesive, inside the card insertion slot of the ATM machine.

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The Modus Operandi

When a customer attempted to insert their card, the adhesive would cause the card to stick firmly inside the machine. Believing the machine had malfunctioned or the card was jammed, the customer would typically panic. The gang members would then approach the victim under the guise of helping them, only to stealthily extract the card and flee the scene.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this indicates a shift from high-tech skimming devices to low-tech, high-impact physical traps. While banks focus on cybersecurity, physical vulnerabilities in ATM hardware remain a blind spot that criminals are now exploiting with simple household items.

"The use of adhesives in ATM fraud is a psychological game; it exploits the victim's panic to create a window for the thief to act."

Historically, ATM fraud relied heavily on 'skimming'—using electronic devices to steal magnetic stripe data. However, this new trend focuses on the physical theft of the card, often combined with 'shoulder surfing' to steal the PIN, making it a direct and immediate threat to account balances.

Did You Know?: Many modern ATMs now feature 'anti-skimming' technology, but these are designed for electronic theft, not for preventing physical adhesives from jamming the slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if my ATM card gets stuck in a machine?
A: Immediately contact your bank's official customer care number to block the card and report the incident to the nearest police station.

Q2: How can I identify if an ATM slot has been tampered with?
A: Look for any unusual residue, glue, or protruding plastic parts around the card slot before inserting your card.