KEY TAKEAWAYS

In a troubling incident, a 57-year-old technical officer at a prestigious DRDO research facility in Pune was duped out of Rs 13 lakh.

The perpetrators reached out via WhatsApp, posing as officials from a recognized public sector bank.

They falsely claimed that an update was required for his Know Your Customer (KYC) information, warning him that failure to comply would lead to the freezing of his bank account.

The rise of digital technology has made our lives easier, but it has also opened the door to a plethora of online scams. One alarming instance from Pune serves as a cautionary tale of how easily anyone, including highly skilled professionals working at institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), can be ensnared by these scams.

In this particular case, the victim, a 57-year-old technical officer, lost a staggering Rs 13 lakh to cunning cyber fraudsters. These criminals utilized WhatsApp to contact him, masquerading as representatives from a public sector bank. They insisted that it was imperative to update his KYC details to prevent his bank account from being frozen. To enhance the validity of their deceit, they included a file in their message.

For further reading, refer to: Retired Mumbai consultant loses Rs 1.8 crore in courier scam: Here’s the full story

Unfortunately, believing the communication to be genuine, the officer proceeded to download the attached file, which turned out to be a remote access application designed to compromise his device. Shortly thereafter, he began receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) on his mobile. Since he wasn’t engaged in any financial transactions at that moment, he ignored them. However, within a short time span, he discovered that his bank account had been emptied of nearly Rs 12.95 lakh.

Realizing the enormity of the scam, the officer promptly reported the incident to local law enforcement. This incident underscores a worrying trend in the realm of cyber scams that utilize remote access technology. In these devious schemes, criminals persuade individuals to download harmful applications, granting them unauthorized entry into the victim’s device and bank accounts. They frequently exploit fabricated scenarios, such as KYC validations or outstanding bill payments, to lure individuals into compromising their own security through these malicious apps.

For your reference, you can also read about: Man loses Rs 13 lakh in hotel booking scam: Here’s what transpired and preventive measures to avoid similar frauds

Effective Strategies to Safeguard Against Scams

• Exercise caution with unsolicited communications: Be wary of any messages or emails from unknown sources, especially those requesting KYC updates or payments.
• Steer clear of links and attachments: Refrain from clicking on hyperlinks or downloading files from suspicious messages, irrespective of how trustworthy they may seem.
• Authenticate the source: Always confirm such inquiries by directly contacting your bank using verified contact information.
• Prompt action in case of fraud: If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately, report the incident to the cyber crime unit, and file a formal complaint with law enforcement.