Karachi Police Crack Down on ATM-Hacking Gang

KARACHI: A well-organized group of IT experts involved in hacking Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and stealing money from unsuspecting citizens has been apprehended in Karachi. The operation, which also led to the arrest of a female accomplice, was conducted by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).

The gang’s strategy involved lurking outside banks and hacking ATMs. They would often pose as helpful bystanders, offering assistance to people whose cards had become stuck in the machines. During these interactions, they stole critical information, including victims’ passwords.

A recent incident in Nazimabad highlighted the gang’s tactics, where they swindled an elderly person out of Rs450,000. Surveillance footage captured the involvement of a woman and two other individuals in the act.

According to police reports, the gang has carried out similar operations in other cities, including Lahore and Islamabad. Efforts are underway to dismantle their entire network. Authorities urge citizens to remain cautious when using ATMs and to avoid accepting help from strangers.

Experts also warn ATM users about the risks of setting easily guessable passwords, which could lead to financial losses. It is advised not to use personal information like names or birth dates as PINs.

A recent case in India underscores this advice, where a criminal was arrested for stealing large sums of money by using PINs derived from the account holders’ dates of birth.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information to prevent such crimes.