Ludhiana police seize debit card ‘cloning’ devices

POLICE ALSO GOT A CCTV FOOTAGE OF SUSPECTS FROM AN ATM KIOSK AND A HUNT HAS BEEN LAUNCHED TO NAB THEM

LUDHIANA: When about 32 lakh debit cards have been exposed to malicious software in the biggest ever security breach in the country, Ludhiana police seized a set of two devices, including a micro chip and spy cam-fitted equipment, allegedly used for cloning debit cards.

The police also got a closedcircuit television (CCTV) footage of suspects from an automated teller machine (ATM) kiosk of the State bank of India, Janta Nagar branch, in Ludhiana and a hunt has been launched to nab them. The equipment was spotted by employees of FIS Payment Solution, a private firm that maintains ATMs.

An official at the Ludhiana police commissionerate said they were yet to get a formal complaint. The company employees, who helped police trace the equipment, are reluctant to file the complaint saying only bank officials can pursue the case as ATMs are their property. The police have informed the bank authorities and asked them to file a formal complaint.

Deputy commissioner of police (DCP investigation) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said the police have found a set of equipment that might be used for cloning debit cards. Investigations are on and the suspects would be arrested soon, he said, appealing people to file a complaint if money is withdrawn from their account without their knowledge.

Police say the gang installs the devices when security guards change shifts. The gang members remain around the ATM kiosks to keep a tab on customers and withdraw the money after cloning debit cards.