A 61-year-old retired teacher from Amreli, Gujarat, has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing a staggering Rs 15 lakh to criminals impersonating bank officials. The incident, reported at the Amreli Cybercrime police station, highlights the evolving tactics of online scammers targeting unsuspecting citizens.
How the Elaborate Cyber Fraud Unfolded
The victim, identified as Rajendra Prasad Pandit, initiated the process on January 5 by depositing a cheque worth Rs 7 lakh from his wife's bank account into their daughter's account. The following day, he noticed a message on his wife's mobile phone indicating the cheque had been dishonoured.
Seeking clarification, Pandit searched for the State Bank of India (SBI) customer care number using the Google Chrome browser. He contacted a mobile number that appeared in the search results. A man who identified himself as Ajay claimed to be a bank executive and assured Pandit he would help resolve the issue.
The Deceptive APK File and Financial Drain
The fake executive, Ajay, instructed Pandit that a link would be sent via WhatsApp for further processing. Soon after, Pandit received a file named "Bank.help.apk" on WhatsApp. He proceeded to open the file and submitted the personal and banking details it requested.
Believing it was part of a legitimate verification process, he also forwarded the same APK file to his wife's phone, where it was downloaded and similar details were entered. This step proved catastrophic, as the malicious application likely granted the fraudsters access to both accounts.
When the cheque amount failed to reflect in his daughter's account by evening, a concerned Pandit visited his local SBI branch. To his shock, bank officials informed him that no employee named Ajay worked there.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
An immediate check of their bank accounts revealed the devastating truth. The cybercriminals had siphoned off Rs 10 lakh from Pandit's account and Rs 5 lakh from his wife's account, transferring the total Rs 15 lakh to other accounts. Police investigation has found that two different bank accounts were used by the accused to receive the stolen funds.
The family, already in distress, includes Pandit's wife and son who are both employed with the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL). The Amreli Cybercrime police station is actively investigating the case to trace the perpetrators and the money trail.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for the public to be extremely cautious. One should never download unknown APK files from unverified sources, especially via messaging apps. Always use the official customer care numbers listed on a bank's website or printed materials, and never share personal credentials or OTPs with anyone claiming to be from a bank.
