Mumbai Police have uncovered an alleged ATM cash-trapping scam in the Bhandup area, where fraudsters reportedly used a thin plastic strip to prevent withdrawn currency notes from reaching customers.

According to investigators, customers completed apparently successful ATM withdrawals and saw the amounts deducted from their bank accounts, but no cash emerged from the machine.

The customers reportedly assumed that the ATM had malfunctioned and left the premises. The accused then allegedly returned, removed the concealed strip and collected the trapped currency notes.

Police identified three people in connection with the alleged operation, including the suspected mastermind and two women accused of assisting him.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.

Five Customers Reported Failed Cash Withdrawals

The case came to light after five customers complained about unsuccessful cash withdrawals at a Bank of Baroda ATM located at Sachdev Complex in Bhandup.

In each reported instance:

• The customer entered the withdrawal amount.
• The transaction appeared to be processed.
• Money was deducted from the bank account.
• No currency notes emerged from the ATM.
• The customer left believing that the machine had malfunctioned.

The similarity between the complaints led the bank to suspect deliberate interference with the ATM.

Bank Branch Manager Filed Complaint

The investigation began after a 37-year-old Bank of Baroda branch manager filed a formal complaint with the police.

The manager informed authorities that five separate customers had reported account debits without receiving the corresponding cash.

Police registered a case against unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and began examining the ATM premises, transaction records and surveillance footage.

CCTV Footage Examined for Two Days

Investigators reviewed CCTV recordings from the ATM over two consecutive days.

The footage reportedly helped police identify:

• Suspicious visits before customer transactions
• Physical interference with the cash dispenser
• The timing of the accused’s return
• The involvement of alleged accomplices
• The sequence in which the trapped money was removed

The visual evidence reportedly revealed how the alleged cash-trapping mechanism was installed and recovered.

Thin Grey Plastic Strip Allegedly Used

According to police, the accused entered the ATM before customers and inserted a thin grey plastic strip inside or around the cash dispenser slot.

The strip allegedly prevented currency notes from emerging properly after a withdrawal was processed.

The ATM’s internal system may still have treated the cash as dispensed, resulting in the amount being debited from the customer’s account.

The currency reportedly remained stuck behind the strip until the accused returned to remove it.

Customers Believed ATM Had Malfunctioned

The success of the alleged scam depended on customers assuming that the machine had experienced a technical fault.

After no cash appeared, a customer might:

• Wait briefly for the machine to respond
• Check the account-debit message
• Assume the transaction would be reversed
• Leave without inspecting the dispenser
• Plan to contact the bank later

This delay gave the accused an opportunity to return and retrieve the trapped cash.

Accused Allegedly Returned After Customers Left

Police allege that after observing the customer leave the ATM, members of the gang returned to the machine.

They then reportedly removed the plastic strip and collected the currency notes trapped inside the dispenser.

The operation required the accused to monitor:

• Customer entry and exit
• Whether the transaction was completed
• Whether anyone remained nearby
• When it was safe to recover the cash

Investigators are examining whether the gang remained close to the ATM throughout the process.

Alleged Mastermind Identified

Based on CCTV analysis and other evidence, Bhandup Police identified the alleged mastermind as:

Mohammad Ziyad alias Ayan Irshad Ahmed, aged 21.

Police arrested him during the investigation.

Authorities are examining whether he installed the cash-trapping strip personally, supervised other participants or coordinated similar operations at additional ATM locations.

Two Women Accused of Assisting

During the continuing inquiry, police identified two alleged female accomplices:

• Arifa Azeem Dukandar, aged 45
• Namira Azeem Dukandar, aged 24

Police issued notices to both under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita while the investigation continued.

The exact roles attributed to them will be determined on the basis of CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence.

Arrest and Notice Are Different Procedures

Although the report initially refers to three people being involved in the police action, the alleged mastermind was arrested, while the two women were issued notices under the applicable procedural provision.

A notice generally requires a person to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the authorities when directed.

It does not by itself amount to a determination of guilt.

Property Worth ₹1.29 Lakh Recovered

Police reportedly recovered property valued at approximately ₹1.29 lakh during the investigation.

The seized items included:

• A motorcycle valued at around ₹80,000
• A grey plastic strip allegedly used in the scam
• A mobile phone valued at approximately ₹10,000
• Cash amounting to ₹39,500

Investigators are examining whether the recovered cash originated from the reported ATM transactions or from other suspected incidents.

Motorcycle May Have Been Used for Movement

Police may examine whether the seized motorcycle was used to:

• Travel between ATM locations
• Monitor customers
• Leave the scene quickly
• Transport accomplices
• Carry tools or trapped cash

CCTV footage from surrounding roads and commercial establishments may assist in establishing the vehicle’s movements.

Mobile Phone Sent for Examination

The recovered mobile phone may contain evidence relevant to the alleged operation.

Investigators may analyse:

• Call records
• Location history
• Messaging applications
• Contact details
• Photographs or videos of ATM locations
• Communication with alleged accomplices
• Links to other suspects

Deleted data may also be examined through digital forensic tools.

What Is ATM Cash Trapping?

ATM cash trapping is a physical fraud technique in which a device or material is placed over or inside the cash dispenser.

The obstruction prevents currency notes from reaching the customer even though the ATM processes the withdrawal.

After the customer leaves, the fraudster removes the obstruction and collects the retained cash.

Cash-trapping devices may include:

• Plastic strips
• Adhesive material
• False dispenser covers
• Metal clips
• Concealed barriers
• Modified panels

The device is often designed to resemble part of the ATM.

Cash Trapping Differs From Card Skimming

Cash trapping should not be confused with card skimming.

In a cash-trapping scam, criminals physically obstruct the cash dispenser to steal currency notes.

In a card-skimming scam, a hidden device captures information from the customer’s debit or credit card, often along with the PIN.

ATM fraud may involve:

• Cash trapping
• Card skimming
• PIN-camera installation
• Card retention
• Fake assistance
• Shoulder surfing
• Replacement of cards

Customers should examine both the card slot and cash dispenser before using a machine.

Bank Records Can Confirm Transactions

Investigators are likely to compare the complaints with the ATM’s electronic journal and cash records.

These records may show:

• Time of withdrawal
• Amount requested
• Account debit status
• ATM response code
• Cash cassette movement
• Dispenser activity
• Subsequent cash reconciliation differences

A mismatch between recorded withdrawals and actual customer receipt can support the investigation.

CCTV Evidence Central to Case

Surveillance footage may help establish whether the same individuals visited the ATM repeatedly before and after reported transactions.

Police may examine:

• Clothing and physical appearance
• Entry and exit times
• Handling of the dispenser
• Interaction between suspects
• Use of the motorcycle
• Movement towards nearby ATMs

Footage from adjoining shops, roads and residential buildings may also help reconstruct the suspects’ route.

Other ATM Locations Being Examined

Police are investigating whether the accused targeted additional ATMs in Bhandup or other parts of Mumbai.

The inquiry may include a review of:

• Similar customer complaints
• Failed-withdrawal reports
• ATM CCTV footage
• Dispenser tampering incidents
• Reconciliation shortages
• Suspect mobile-phone locations

If comparable incidents are identified, the scope of the case could expand.

Gang May Have Selected Less-Supervised ATMs

Fraudsters may prefer ATM locations that have:

• Limited security presence
• Low customer traffic
• Poor external surveillance
• No security guard
• Easy escape routes
• Dispenser designs that can be manipulated

Banks may need to reassess the physical security of standalone or lightly monitored ATM locations.

ATM Users Should Inspect the Machine

Before beginning a transaction, customers should briefly check the ATM for unusual features.

They should look for:

• Loose or raised panels
• Adhesive marks
• Plastic strips
• Objects covering the dispenser
• Unusual resistance in the card slot
• Hidden cameras near the keypad
• Persons loitering nearby

Customers should avoid pulling or dismantling suspicious components themselves and should instead alert the bank or police.

Do Not Leave Immediately After Failed Withdrawal

Where an account is debited but no cash is received, customers should not simply assume that the amount will automatically return.

They should:

• Check the cash dispenser carefully without inserting their hands deeply.
• Remain alert to persons waiting nearby.
• Record the ATM location and identification number.
• Note the transaction time and amount.
• Contact the bank immediately.
• Report visible tampering to police.

Remaining at a safe distance may prevent fraudsters from immediately recovering trapped cash.

Do Not Accept Help From Strangers

A person waiting near an ATM may offer assistance after a failed transaction.

Customers should not:

• Hand over their card
• Reveal their PIN
• Repeat a transaction on someone’s advice
• Allow another person to inspect the machine
• Follow instructions to call an unverified number

Official assistance should be obtained only from the bank using independently verified contact information.

Preserve the Transaction Receipt and Alert

Customers should retain all available evidence, including:

• ATM receipt
• SMS debit notification
• Mobile banking screenshot
• Transaction reference number
• Photograph of the ATM
• Time and location
• Description of suspicious persons

This information can assist the bank and police in verifying the complaint quickly.

Report the Issue to the Bank Immediately

Where cash is not received despite an account debit, the customer should contact the issuing bank without delay.

The complaint should include:

• Account details
• Transaction amount
• ATM location
• Date and time
• Transaction reference
• Whether the ATM belonged to the same bank
• Any evidence of tampering

The customer should obtain and preserve the complaint or service-request number.

Police Should Be Contacted for Suspected Tampering

A failed ATM transaction may arise from a technical fault. However, visible obstruction or suspicious activity can indicate physical fraud.

Police should be contacted where:

• A foreign object is visible in the dispenser.
• Persons are repeatedly entering after customers leave.
• The ATM appears physically altered.
• Multiple customers face the same issue.
• Someone attempts to stop the customer from reporting the incident.

Prompt reporting can help preserve CCTV footage and prevent additional losses.

Banks Need Regular Physical Inspections

ATM operators should conduct regular checks for:

• Dispenser obstructions
• Fake panels
• Card-skimming devices
• Camera installations
• Adhesive residue
• Damaged components
• CCTV blind spots

Remote transaction monitoring alone may not detect a simple physical trapping device.

Reconciliation Alerts Can Identify Cash Trapping

Banks can strengthen fraud detection by comparing:

• Recorded cash dispensations
• Customer complaints
• ATM cash balances
• Reversal requests
• Repeated failures at one location

Several debit-without-cash complaints from the same ATM within a short period should trigger immediate inspection and surveillance review.

Security Guards and Live Monitoring May Reduce Risk

For vulnerable ATM locations, banks may consider:

• Security guards
• Live CCTV monitoring
• Tamper alarms
• Improved lighting
• Frequent physical checks
• Clear emergency contact information

Visible security measures can deter criminals from repeatedly accessing the cash dispenser.

Investigation Continues

Mumbai Police are continuing to determine:

• Whether additional ATM locations were targeted
• Whether more customers suffered losses
• Whether other individuals assisted the operation
• How long the alleged gang had been active
• Whether the recovered cash is linked to specific complaints
• Whether similar cases exist in other police jurisdictions

Further legal action may follow if additional evidence or participants are identified.

Any determination of guilt will be made by the competent court after completion of the investigation and due legal process.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Shunyatax Global says that ATM security depends on both digital controls and regular physical inspection. A transaction can be correctly processed by a bank’s system while the customer still loses money because the dispenser has been externally manipulated. Banks should treat repeated cash-not-received complaints from the same machine as a potential fraud alert rather than isolated technical failures. Customers should report such incidents immediately, preserve transaction records and avoid leaving the ATM without checking for visible obstruction or suspicious activity.