In a shocking string of ATM scams across Andhra Pradesh, a cunning criminal disguised himself as a helpful stranger at multiple ATM centres, duping unsuspecting account holders and withdrawing their cash. Finally, Anakapalli police caught the interstate fraudster, ending his spree.
The Scam Unfolds
The suspect, identified as Veerayya Chowdari from Veerannapalem village in Prakasam district, appeared innocent and offered assistance to elderly and illiterate people at ATMs. However, while pretending to help, he secretly stole their ATM cards and PINs, then withdrew money from their accounts.
The latest incident occurred on the 17th of this month, when Nurkaraju from Dharmasagaram village in Narsipatnam approached a Union Bank ATM to withdraw cash. Struggling to operate the machine, he asked an unidentified man for help. Veerayya seized the opportunity, asked for the card and PIN, and then returned the card after claiming the machine malfunctioned. Later, Nurkaraju received a message confirming a withdrawal of ₹15,000. Alarmed, he rushed to the bank and discovered the money had been taken, prompting a police complaint.
Investigation and Arrest
Narsipatnam Town CI Gafoor led a special team to examine CCTV footage and track the suspect. The investigation revealed that similar scams had occurred across multiple districts, including Miryalguda, Palakonda, Amudalavalasa, Lalapeta, Janagam, and Kazipet.
Veerayya had been operating in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana since 2017, committing at least 20 such crimes. Police tracked him to Marripalem in Visakhapatnam and took him into custody. Authorities recovered ₹10,000 in cash, nine ATM cards, and a mobile phone from him.
Police Advisory
Police have warned the public not to share ATM cards or PINs with strangers. If anyone notices suspicious activity at ATMs, they should immediately inform authorities. The investigation continues to determine if Veerayya Chowdari had accomplices in his interstate scam operations.
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