HIGHLIGHTS

A deceptive message alerting Dinkar Shukla about his credit card reward points looming expiration initiated a scam.

The message falsely indicated that his reward points, valued at Rs 9,240, were set to be canceled.

To avert losing out, he naively clicked the link embedded in the message.

In our increasingly online world, credit cards have become a staple for numerous transactions, enabling us to reap benefits like rewards and cashback. However, these advantages can sometimes lead us into treacherous waters. Recently, a resident of Lucknow found himself ensnared in a cunning credit card scam that resulted in a staggering loss of Rs 4.30 lakh. This article delves into the alarming details of how the con unfolded and offers key insights on safeguarding yourself from similar scams.

It all began when Dinkar Shukla received a concerning message that claimed his credit card reward points were about to expire. The notification alarmingly noted that his points, worth Rs 9,240, would be cancelled if he didn’t act promptly.

For more insights, check out: Doctor loses Rs 1.8cr in stock investment scam: Tips to steer clear of such frauds.

Panicking about the impending loss of his hard-earned points, Dinkar clicked the link in the message. He proceeded to enter his credit card number along with a one-time password (OTP) that arrived on his phone. To his dismay, mere seconds later, he was struck with shock as he noticed two substantial transactions executed from his credit card: one amounting to Rs 3.38 lakh, and another for Rs 91,730, as reported by TOI.

Realizing he had fallen prey to a scam, Shukla wasted no time in contacting his bank’s credit card customer service. However, his anxiety turned to despair when he learned that the bank could provide no assistance; they informed him that his mobile number had been altered in their records. It appears the fraudsters had successfully manipulated his personal information by utilizing the fraudulent link.

For further context: Businessman falls prey to a Rs 28 lakh gold investment scam on Facebook: Here’s the story.

Essential Tips to Avoid Credit Card Scams

• Exercise caution with unsolicited messages: Always be wary of clicking links or accessing attachments in unexpected messages, irrespective of how credible the source appears.
• Confirm the authenticity of the source: It is crucial to verify any correspondence associated with your bank or financial accounts. Instead of following a link, navigate directly to the official website or call your bank using a number from their legitimate website.
• Utilize two-factor authentication: Implementing an additional layer of security for your online accounts can be an effective measure in safeguarding your sensitive data.