Pandit Loses Rs.6 Lakh in Online Fraud Impersonating Army Official | #cybercrime | #infosec

In a complaint, he said he received a call from a person two days ago introducing himself as captain Aman Kumar from Secunderabad Military Office stating that “Colonel Sir” health is not well and requested 21 pundits for a 11-day pooja and discussed an advance payment of Rs.3 lakh. For making advance payments, he will receive a video call.

Later, through a video call from another number, the fraudster tricked the victim into opening PhonePe and Google Pay and following instructions under the pretext of transferring advance money. The fraudster first sent Rs.10 to gain trust and then directed the victim to enter various amounts using his credit card details and PIN.

Believing it to be genuine, the victim followed the instructions and unknowingly authorized multiple transactions of Rs.2 lakh, Rs.1 lakh, Rs.5,000, Rs.1.99 lakh and Rs.95,000, which were deducted from his account instead of being credited.

In total, the victim lost Rs.5.99 lakh. Realising the fraud, the victim reported it through cyber help line number 1930.

In an advisory, the police asked the people never share ATM Pin, OTP, or credit and debit card details with anyone, even if they claim to be from the army, government, or reputed organizations. Do not follow instructions on video or audio calls for financial transactions from unknown persons.

Advance payments or refunds will never require entering Pin and OTP. Genuine payments reflect directly into account. Be cautious of small test transfers ranging from Rs.1 to R.10. Fraudsters use this to build trust before large frauds.

Verify identity by contacting official helpline numbers of government or defence offices before believing such requests. Awareness and prompt reporting are key to preventing further victimization. Victims of cybercrime fraud can immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

In case of any emergency of cyber frauds please call or WhatsApp 8712665171, the police said.