Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (JD)

Karkala, Sep 20: In an alarming incident, a senior citizen was robbed by two unidentified individuals who posed as helpers at an ATM in Ajekaru.

The victim, 63-year-old Henry D'Souza from Marne village, was at the Karnataka Bank ATM on the evening of September 16, 2024, around 5:45 pm. Accompanied by his wife, Mary Henry D'Souza, who holds an account with Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited, Henry sought to withdraw cash using her ATM card.

While at the ATM, the two men approached him under the pretext of providing assistance. After gaining his trust, they took possession of his ATM card and obtained his PIN. In a sly move, they swapped his card with another one and informed him that the transaction could not be completed.

Representational image

Unbeknownst to Henry, the fraudsters used the stolen card to withdraw Rs 1 lac from his wife's bank account, making 10 transactions of Rs 10,000 each at a Bank of Baroda ATM in Karkala.

A complaint has been registered at the Ajekaru Police Station, and authorities are investigating the incident.

Residents are urged to be vigilant and cautious when using ATMs, particularly when approached by strangers offering help.