Wary alert issued by Polish authorities regarding the practice of "cash imprisonment"
On Wednesday, July 29, 2025, an incident involving suspected fraud and theft through manipulation of ATMs, known as "Cash Trapping," was reported in Stralsund, Germany. At approximately 5:20 PM, a 49-year-old German citizen noticed tampering with an ATM on Binz's main street.
The Stralsund Police Inspection was promptly called to the scene. The criminal police in Stralsund have since launched an investigation into this suspected attempted fraud and theft. As a result, the ATM on Binz's main street was temporarily shut down for further examination.
In "Cash Trapping" cases, criminals manipulate the dispensing chute of ATMs to steal cash. If an ATM shows a withdrawal but no cash is dispensed, it may be a sign of "Cash Trapping". Similarly, if an ATM shows signs of unusual appearances or loose parts in the dispensing chute, it may also be a sign of this fraudulent activity.
It is advised to avoid tampering with the ATM if it shows signs of "Cash Trapping". Instead, if you encounter such a situation, it is recommended to remain calm and immediately inform the bank or the police. In urgent situations, you can contact the police via the emergency number 110.
For regular inquiries or further information, the Police Inspectorate Stralsund can be reached at [email protected], by phone at 03831/245-204, or via their website at http://www.polizei.mvnet.de.
To ensure your safety, it is also advised to always shield your PIN when entering it and to be vigilant when using ATMs, especially outside regular business hours, inside bank branches.
Stay informed and report any suspicious activities to the police to maintain a safe and secure community.
