A man in Bhopal has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme, losing a significant sum of money to a con artist posing as a bank official. The incident occurred in the Kamla Nagar area, where the fraudster used deceptive tactics to cheat the victim.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, Tajendra Singh Pal, works as a private vehicle driver and resides in Kotra, Kamla Nagar. On January 8, he received an unexpected WhatsApp call from an unknown person. This caller introduced himself as a representative from a bank and made an enticing offer to increase the credit card limit for Tajendra.
Deceptive Tactics Used by the Fraudster
Believing the caller to be genuine, Tajendra agreed to the proposal. The fraudster then cleverly asked for his bank account details under the guise of processing the credit limit increase. Without suspecting any foul play, Tajendra shared the required information.
Soon after providing his bank details, Tajendra received a one-time password (OTP) on his mobile phone. The caller promptly requested this OTP, claiming it was necessary to complete the transaction. Trusting the individual, Tajendra shared the OTP as well.
Immediate Financial Loss
As soon as the fraudster obtained the OTP, he executed an unauthorized transaction. A total of Rs 1.21 lakh was transferred from Tajendra's bank account without his consent. The entire process happened quickly, leaving the victim shocked and financially depleted.
Police Investigation and Public Warning
Local police authorities have launched a probe into this cyber fraud case. They are actively investigating the matter to identify and apprehend the accused, who remains unidentified at this time.
In light of this incident, the police have issued a strong appeal to all citizens. They urge people to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unsolicited calls or messages regarding financial matters.
Key Safety Measures Recommended by Police
- Never share banking details with unknown callers, even if they claim to be bank officials
- Avoid sharing OTPs with anyone, as legitimate bank representatives never ask for OTPs
- Verify directly with your bank through official channels if you receive such offers
- Report suspicious calls immediately to cyber crime authorities
This case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber criminals who exploit digital communication platforms like WhatsApp to target unsuspecting individuals. The police emphasize that awareness and vigilance are crucial in preventing such financial frauds in today's digital age.
