A woman from Udupi, Karnataka, fell victim to an online shopping scam and lost Rs 9 lakh, police said on Tuesday. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting online shoppers.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, a resident of Udupi, had ordered a product online. Shortly after, she received a call from a person claiming to be a customer care executive of the shopping platform. The caller informed her that her order had been canceled due to a technical glitch and offered to process a refund.
To facilitate the refund, the fraudster asked her to download a remote access app on her phone. Believing it to be a legitimate step, she complied. Once the app was installed, the scammer gained access to her phone and bank details.
Transaction Details
Using the remote access, the fraudster initiated multiple transactions from her bank account. Over the next few hours, Rs 9 lakh was transferred to various accounts. The woman realized she had been cheated only when she checked her bank balance and found the money missing.
She immediately approached the Udupi Cyber Crime Police Station and filed a complaint. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. Police have launched an investigation to trace the fraudsters.
Precautions for Online Shoppers
Cybercrime experts advise online shoppers to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages regarding refunds or cancellations. They recommend never downloading remote access apps at the request of unknown callers. Shoppers should always verify the authenticity of customer care numbers through official websites.
Financial institutions also urge customers to avoid sharing OTPs, passwords, or other sensitive information over the phone. In case of suspicious activity, one should immediately report it to the bank and local cybercrime authorities.
The Udupi police have appealed to the public to stay vigilant and report any such incidents without delay. They are also conducting awareness campaigns to educate people about common online frauds.
