But seriously, how do you get trapped inside an ATM?

This is not a sequel to 'Trapped in the Closet'.
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

On Wednesday afternoon, a Texas contractor became trapped inside an ATM building and used his wits (and some paper) to get out.

According to KRISTV, the contractor was changing the lock inside a room connected to a Bank of America ATM and accidentally locked himself inside.

When people came to the ATM to get cash, the contractor slipped notes through the receipt slot begging for help since he left his cellphone in his truck.

It sounds like a good idea and the notes were pretty straightforward reading, "Please Help. I'm stuck in here, and I don't have my phone. Please call my boss."

Unfortunately, people using the ATM thought he wasn't serious. But, at least one person didn't take the contractor's cries for help as a joke and called the police.

The police kicked down the door and got the contractor out of the room safely, though even the cops thought whole thing was a prank at first.

"We come out here, and sure enough we can hear a little voice coming from the machine. So we are thinking this is a joke. It's got to be a joke," Richard Olden, the Corpus Christi Police Senior Officer, told KRISTV.

That would have been a really elaborate prank, but it isn't too wild of a possibility considering how far pranks can go nowadays.

We know it seems impossible for someone to be trapped in an ATM. But, if the machine starts feeding you notes asking for help, please get help.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You



If you rely on AI, this lifetime subscription seriously streamlines your workflow
ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime Subscription (Unlimited Plan)

Do you know ball? Inside the internet's most obsessive basketball debate.
A bunch of men with balls for heads discussing ball at a cocktail bar

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 4, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!