Two Men Arrested in Major 'ATM Jackpotting' Scheme at Lincoln Bank

LINCOLN, Nebraska — A high-tech bank robbery attempt was foiled in Lincoln after police apprehended two men executing an "ATM jackpotting" scheme. The arrest took place late in the evening at a local bank branch, preventing the theft of tens of thousands of dollars.

What is ATM Jackpotting?

ATM jackpotting is a sophisticated technique where criminals gain physical access to the inner electronics of an automated teller machine. They then install malicious software (malware) or connect a hardware device to override the ATM’s operating system. Once infected, the machine is commanded to dispense all its cash cassettes sequentially, looking like a slot machine paying out a jackpot.

The Arrest in Lincoln

Security monitoring staff at the bank noticed suspicious activity around the drive-up ATM and alerted the Lincoln Police Department. Responding officers arrived quickly and caught the two suspects in the act of manipulating the terminal's hardware. The two individuals, who police revealed are not local residents, were booked on charges of computer tampering, burglary, and possession of burglar tools. Specialized electronic hacking equipment was seized from the scene as evidence.

Banks Warned to Increase Vigilance

The Lincoln Police Department, in coordination with federal financial fraud units, is warning local financial institutions to verify physical security enclosures on external ATMs. Criminals targeting ATMs with jackpotting techniques often target isolated machines or branches with low traffic after dark.