ATM skimming

'ATM skimming' used in robbing Mumbai cops of Rs 15.48 lakhs

With every new instance, it seems the resolve of cyber thieves is only getting stronger – and bolder. Unidentified miscreants targeted as many as 37 bank accounts – 15 of which belonged to Mumbai cops, in an instance of what is popularly referred to as “ATM skimming”.  

While only slim details emerged yesterday, when the incident had first been reported, fresh details have emerged since. Not only were the 37 victims robbed of amounts to the tune of Rs 15.48 lakh, the said amount had been withdrawn at an ATM located in faraway Greece. A Mumbai Mirror report has revealed that cyber-thieves managed to break into an ATM machine – by way of ATM skimming – at the Maharashtra Police headquarters, Colaba and went on to make withdrawals from several ATMs in Greece. The ATM at the police headquarters reportedly belongs to Axis Bank, where Mumbai Police personnel have their salary accounts.It was only when the victims began receiving SMSes notifying them of withdrawals in Greece that they understood that the security of their accounts had been compromised. They approached the back soon and discovered that only the ones who used the ATM at the Colaba headquarters had been affected.

Reportedly, the case was first registered with the NM Joshi Marg police station in Lower Parel, but was later transferred to the Colaba Police Station. Also, a case has been registered under Sections 420, 465, 471 of the IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act.

This is a developing story. We will update this article as and when we learn of more developments.