In a sophisticated cyber fraud case that highlights growing digital vulnerabilities, a resident of Sarojininagar in Lucknow fell victim to a scam that resulted in the loss of ₹1.82 lakh from his credit card. The incident, which occurred on January 16, involved fraudsters allegedly hacking the victim's mobile phone through a simple phone call and swiftly siphoning funds via an online grocery delivery application.
How the Cyber Fraud Unfolded
According to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Sarojininagar police station on Saturday, the complainant, 34-year-old Chirag Budhiraja, received a call from an unknown number. The caller remained silent and disconnected abruptly, which initially seemed innocuous but was later identified as the trigger for the cyber attack.
Rapid Financial Drain Through OTP Alerts
Minutes after the mysterious call, Budhiraja's phone began flooding with One-Time Password (OTP) alerts, indicating unauthorized access attempts. Soon after, he received a notification stating that ₹1,72,687 had been debited from his credit card for purchases made on the Zepto app, a popular online grocery delivery platform. An additional ₹10,000 was transferred from the same credit card into the app's wallet without his consent, bringing the total loss to ₹1.82 lakh.
Geographical Discrepancy Reveals Fraud
When Budhiraja accessed the Zepto app to investigate, he discovered that the order had been placed from Kolkata, despite him being physically present in Lucknow at the time. Police investigations revealed that the groceries were delivered to an individual named Sumit Kumar in New Town, Kolkata, further confirming the fraudulent nature of the transactions.
Immediate Response and Police Action
Upon realizing the scam, Budhiraja rushed to the Krishnanagar police station, where he took immediate steps to block all his bank cards and prevent further unauthorized transactions. He also lodged a formal complaint on the national cybercrime helpline 1930, which is dedicated to addressing such digital frauds.
Sarajoninagar Station House Officer (SHO) Rajdeo Ram Prajapati confirmed that a thorough probe has been initiated into the matter. "We are investigating all angles, including how the fraudsters gained access to the victim's phone and credit card details through what appears to be a sophisticated hacking technique," Prajapati stated. The police are examining digital footprints and coordinating with financial institutions and the Zepto app to trace the perpetrators.
Broader Implications for Digital Security
This incident underscores the escalating risks associated with mobile phone-based cyber fraud in India, where scammers are employing increasingly cunning methods to exploit vulnerabilities. Experts warn that such attacks often rely on social engineering tactics, where a simple call or message can compromise personal devices and financial accounts.
Key takeaways for the public include:
- Remain cautious of unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, especially those that disconnect abruptly.
- Monitor OTP alerts closely and report any suspicious activity immediately to banks and cybercrime authorities.
- Enable two-factor authentication and use strong, unique passwords for financial apps to enhance security.
- Regularly update mobile devices and applications to protect against known vulnerabilities.
As digital transactions become more prevalent, such cases highlight the urgent need for heightened awareness and robust cybersecurity measures among consumers. The Lucknow police are urging residents to stay vigilant and report any similar incidents promptly to prevent further losses.
