In a sophisticated cyber fraud case, the Lucknow Cyber Crime Police have uncovered a deceptive scheme where a hacker used a fake Instagram shopping advertisement as a smokescreen to siphon off money and misdirect investigators. The primary accused is suspected to be operating from Hyderabad.
The Elaborate Deception Unraveled
The fraud began when the cybercriminal first hacked the mobile phone of a man named Sunil Sharma. Through this breach, the hacker gained access to Sharma's sensitive bank account details. However, instead of making a direct withdrawal, which could have been easily traced, the accused devised a cunning plan to create a layer of confusion.
The Fake Instagram Storefront
The fraudster set up a trap by posting an advertisement on Instagram. The ad offered household items at an attractive 25% discount. To receive payments for orders placed through this ad, the hacker did not use his own account. Instead, he provided the bank details that belonged to the victim, Sunil Sharma.
A teenager, lured by the discounted offer, proceeded to place an online order using the link provided in the Instagram advertisement. The goods were actually delivered to the buyer, making the entire transaction appear completely legitimate on the surface.
The Theft and Investigation
Once this seemingly genuine transaction was in place, the fraudster executed the real crime. He withdrew a sum of Rs 1 lakh from Sunil Sharma's bank account. This unauthorized transaction prompted Sharma to file a formal complaint with the Lucknow Cyber Crime Police.
During the probe, the police discovered the intricate plot. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Saumya Pandey explained that the Instagram advertisement was a deliberate tactic. "The advertisement was used to create confusion and make it appear as if the teenager who made the purchase was responsible for the transaction," Pandey stated.
A Strategy to Divert Suspicion
This method served a dual purpose for the hacker. First, it created a false digital trail that pointed towards an innocent customer. Second, it provided a plausible explanation for the money entering Sharma's account, potentially delaying the detection of the subsequent theft. The police are now intensifying their efforts to track down the accused believed to be based in Hyderabad.
This case highlights a new level of ingenuity among cybercriminals, who are now creating elaborate narratives to cover their tracks. It serves as a stark warning for the public to be extremely cautious of too-good-to-be-true online offers and to secure their digital devices with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
