Ahmedabad Retiree Falls Victim to Elaborate Bank Impersonation Scam, Loses Rs 2.38 Lakh
In a distressing incident highlighting the perils of digital fraud, a 59-year-old retired BSNL officer from Ahmedabad was allegedly duped of Rs 2.38 lakh by cunning fraudsters who impersonated bank officials. The Satellite police have registered a formal offence in this connection, underscoring the growing threat of sophisticated cybercrimes targeting unsuspecting citizens.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Step-by-Step Deception
According to the detailed complaint filed with authorities, the Ambawadi resident had applied online for a credit card from HSBC Bank in November 2025. On December 1, he received a call from an unidentified number, where the caller claimed to be an HSBC representative. The fraudster cited a "technical error" in his application and requested him to share his PAN card and pension slip via email to facilitate the processing. Trusting the request as genuine, the retired officer promptly emailed scanned copies of these sensitive documents to an address that appeared convincingly official.
Over the subsequent days, the victim was bombarded with follow-up calls and messages from various mobile numbers, all reiterating the demand for documents and seeking additional financial details. This persistent communication was designed to build a false sense of legitimacy and urgency.
The Critical Moment: Video Call Leads to Financial Loss
On December 5, the scam escalated when another individual, posing as a bank official, directed the complainant to check an email sent from an address resembling customer support. The email contained a link titled "request to continue application". Upon clicking it, a video call was initiated. During this call, the fraudster asked him to display any existing credit cards for "eligibility verification". The retired officer, still under the illusion of authenticity, showed his AU Bank credit card on camera.
Within minutes, he received OTP messages and alerts of two unauthorized transactions amounting to Rs 1,10,217 and Rs 1,27,980 from his credit card, totalling a staggering Rs 2,38,197. Realizing he had been cheated, he immediately disconnected the call and informed the bank's customer care team.
Aftermath and Police Intervention
The victim also lodged a complaint on the national cybercrime helpline 1930. However, as the amount was not reversed even after 30 days, he approached the police for further action. The Satellite police have registered a complaint of cheating and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with charges under the Information Technology Act. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance in the digital age, especially when dealing with financial matters online.
Key Takeaways from This Incident:
- Always verify the identity of callers claiming to be from banks or financial institutions.
- Never share sensitive documents like PAN cards or pension slips via email without confirmation.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or participating in video calls for verification purposes.
- Report any suspected fraud immediately to bank authorities and cybercrime helplines.
