New Delhi: Delhi Police on Monday arrested a 39-year-old man, Mohd Kareem, for allegedly defrauding an ATM user by swapping his debit card and using it to buy several household electronic appliances. The arrest follows an investigation into a case registered earlier this month.

How the Fraud Occurred

The incident came to light after an e-FIR filed on January 17 by complainant Roshan, who alleged that his debit card had been swapped at an ATM in Mukherjee Nagar on January 3. According to police, while Roshan was attempting to withdraw cash, an unknown man approached him, offering assistance with a purported technical issue. The man briefly took the card, returned it, and left.

Subsequently, unauthorised withdrawals totaling ₹20,000 were made from Roshan’s account, and the card was later used at an electronics showroom in Model Town to purchase household items.

Police Investigation and Arrest

Acting on the complaint and a tip-off, police conducted raids at multiple locations before arresting Kareem, a resident of Jafrabad in northeast Delhi. During interrogation, Kareem confessed to the offence and admitted to committing similar frauds to earn quick money.

Several items purchased using the stolen card were recovered from his possession, including:

• A washing machine
• An oil heater
• An electric press
• An air purifier

In addition, police found 61 debit and credit cards and three fake motorcycle number plates in his possession, suggesting a pattern of repeated fraudulent activity.

Past Criminal History

Kareem was reportedly previously involved in a theft and cheating case registered in 2023 at the New Ashok Nagar police station. Police are now trying to trace the sources of the recovered cards and recover the complainant’s original debit card.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities said that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts being made to determine the full extent of Kareem’s operations and identify any accomplices. The case highlights the need for vigilance when using ATMs and for caution when strangers offer unsolicited assistance.

Police have assured that those attempting similar ATM or card-related frauds will be traced and prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

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