Retired Colonel in Chandigarh Loses Rs 12 Lakh to Sophisticated Cyber Fraud
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of online scams, the cyber police in Chandigarh have registered a case against unknown individuals for allegedly duping a retired Colonel of Rs 12 lakh through fraudulent transactions from his bank account. The police have traced the illicit transactions but have not made any arrests so far, underscoring the challenges in combating such cybercrimes.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim, retired Colonel Raibir Singh Duggal, a resident of Sector 50 in Chandigarh, recounted the events that led to the significant financial loss. He explained that he needed to send a parcel to Pune and conducted a Google search to find the contact number of a courier company. Upon calling a number he found online, his call was transferred to an online executive who instructed him to pay Rs 10 to book a parcel pick-up using his card.
Initial Payment Attempts: Colonel Duggal first attempted to make the payment through his bank account, but the transaction failed. He then successfully processed the payment using his credit card. He was assured that the parcel would be picked up on March 9, 2026.
However, when the pick-up did not occur by March 10, 2026, he contacted the company again. Each time, his calls were diverted to an online process, raising suspicions. Subsequently, he received a WhatsApp message from an unknown mobile number, urging him to download an APK file. Unaware of the risks, he complied, which led to his mobile phone being compromised.
Unauthorized Transactions and Police Action
On March 10, 2026, Colonel Duggal began receiving multiple SMS alerts about unauthorized transactions from his State Bank of India (SBI) account. Upon investigation, he discovered that a total of Rs 12,05,000 had been fraudulently withdrawn from his savings account without his consent.
He immediately reported the incident to SBI Bank and filed a formal complaint at the cyber crime police station in Chandigarh. After verifying the facts, the police registered a case against unknown persons and initiated a thorough probe to track down the perpetrators. Despite efforts to trail the transactions, no arrests have been made to date, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the scam.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in online interactions and the importance of cybersecurity awareness. Experts advise the public to exercise caution when downloading files from unknown sources, especially APK files, which can contain malware designed to steal personal and financial information.
Key recommendations include:
- Avoid sharing sensitive information over phone calls or messages from unverified numbers.
- Use official websites and apps for services like courier bookings instead of relying on search engine results.
- Regularly monitor bank accounts for any suspicious activity and report discrepancies immediately.
The cyber police continue their investigation, urging citizens to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes that prey on unsuspecting individuals.
