Gujarat Police Crack Down on ATM UPI Fraud Ring
In a significant breakthrough, the Gir Somnath police have apprehended two individuals involved in a series of sophisticated cheating cases targeting citizens at ATMs across Gujarat. The arrests came following a detailed investigation into complaints where victims were defrauded using manipulated UPI transaction screenshots.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The fraudsters operated with a well-rehearsed strategy. According to police reports, the accused would approach individuals inside ATM booths, often claiming an urgent need for cash. To build trust, they would offer to transfer an equivalent amount via digital payment apps like Google Pay. The criminals then displayed fake transaction receipts on their smartphones, convincing the victims to hand over physical cash.
Once the money was exchanged, the fraudster would quickly exit the ATM, where an accomplice waited on a motorcycle for a swift getaway. This method allowed them to execute multiple scams in a short timeframe, leaving victims stranded without recourse.
Case Details and Arrests
The investigation was triggered by an FIR filed on Wednesday by Ajaj Shekh, a 30-year-old fruit vendor from Una. Shekh reported that on March 23, he and his friend Rahim visited an ATM near the Una bus station to deposit Rs 15,000. Inside the booth, a man approached them, pleading for immediate cash assistance. After showing a fabricated Google Pay transaction screenshot, the duo handed over the money, only to realize later they had been duped.
In a disturbing twist, another acquaintance of the complainant, Dipen Kambliya, was cheated of Rs 5,000 on the same evening using an identical technique. This pattern prompted police to act on specific intelligence, leading to the arrest of two suspects: Sandip Alagiya (29) and Dhruvdeep Mehta (26), both residents of Amreli district.
Evidence and Criminal History
During the operation, police recovered Rs 20,000 in cash, high-end mobile phones used to generate the fake screenshots, and a motorcycle employed in the escapes. Investigators revealed that Alagiya has an extensive criminal record, with prior cases registered in Amreli city, Amreli taluka, Bagasara, and Rajula.
Upon interrogation, the duo allegedly confessed to running this scam for seven to eight months, targeting ATM users across various locations. Their fraudulent activities included incidents in Bagasara (Rs 11,500), Dhari (Rs 10,000), Dhasa (Rs 5,000), Surat (Rs 11,000), and Rajkot's Hospital Chowk (Rs 25,000), bringing the total defrauded amount to over Rs 62,000.
Broader Implications and Police Response
This case highlights the growing threat of digital payment fraud in India, where criminals exploit the trust in UPI systems. Police have urged citizens to exercise caution at ATMs, verifying transaction confirmations directly through their banking apps rather than relying on screenshots shown by strangers.
The arrests underscore the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts in tackling financial crimes. Authorities are now investigating potential links to other similar frauds across the state, aiming to dismantle any larger networks involved in such scams.
