In a distressing incident highlighting the rising threat of cybercrime, a 74-year-old man from Panchkula was defrauded of a massive sum of Rs 10 lakh by con artists who allegedly hacked his mobile phone. The sophisticated scam involved a fake banking link and impersonation of a bank official, preying on the victim's attempt to update a legitimate banking application.
The Deceptive Call and the Fake Link
The incident occurred on December 6. The complainant, Vinod Kumar Vaid, a resident of MDC in Sector 5, Panchkula, was trying to update his bank's mobile app but encountered difficulties. Later that evening, around 6 pm, he received a call from an unknown number.
The caller introduced himself as Amit Sharma, claiming to be an employee from the bank's technical support team. Posing as a helpful official, Sharma informed Vaid that he needed to complete the app update process to ensure his account's security. To facilitate this, the fraudster sent a link to Vaid's mobile phone.
How the Cyber Cons Stole Sensitive Data
Trusting the caller, Vinod Kumar Vaid clicked on the provided link. He was directed to a webpage that appeared genuine, mimicking his bank's official interface. Following the instructions given by 'Amit Sharma,' Vaid proceeded to fill in his personal details and confidential banking information on the fraudulent portal.
Unbeknownst to him, this action handed over all his sensitive data directly to the cyber criminals. Immediately after obtaining the information, the caller disconnected the line. The con artists then allegedly used this data to gain unauthorized access to Vaid's accounts, leading to the devastating financial loss of ten lakh rupees.
A Growing Threat and the Imperative for Vigilance
This case in Panchkula is a stark reminder of the advanced methods employed by cyber fraudsters, who specifically target individuals, including senior citizens, during moments of technical difficulty. The scam combines several dangerous elements:
- Vishing (Voice Phishing): The initial contact via a phone call from a spoofed number.
- Phishing: The use of a deceptive link to a fake website designed to steal login credentials.
- Impersonation: Posing as a trusted authority figure from a bank to build false trust.
Authorities are investigating the matter based on the complaint filed by Vinod Kumar Vaid. This incident underscores the critical need for public awareness, especially regarding unsolicited calls and links. Banks repeatedly warn customers that they never send links asking for personal details or passwords via phone calls or SMS. Citizens are urged to always verify directly with their bank through official customer care channels if they receive any suspicious communication.
