Autorickshaw Driver in Bengaluru Accuses Friend of Bank Account Misuse for Cyberfraud
In a concerning case from Bengaluru, a 23-year-old autorickshaw driver has filed a complaint alleging that his friend misused his bank account for cyberfraud transactions. The incident, reported from KG Halli, highlights vulnerabilities in financial security among urban youth.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to the complaint filed by Sheikh Pardeen Ahmed, the accused, identified as Najeem, approached him about a month ago at an auto stand in KG Halli. Upon learning that Ahmed did not have a bank account, Najeem offered to assist him in opening one.
Ahmed stated that Najeem provided him with Rs 2,000, a mobile phone number, and an email ID. He then took Ahmed to a private bank in Banaswadi, where Najeem waited outside while Ahmed used his own Aadhaar and PAN cards, along with the contact details supplied by Najeem, to open the account. The bank issued a passbook, cheque book, and debit card on the same day.
Immediately after exiting the bank, Ahmed alleges that Najeem collected all the banking materials. Najeem explained that money would be transferred into the account, and Ahmed would receive a commission each time he withdrew cash and handed it over.
Escalation to a Second Account
Najeem later persuaded Ahmed to facilitate the opening of another bank account, this time in the name of his friend, Shahid. Similar promises of commission were made for transactions involving this second account. Recently, Ahmed discovered that both accounts had been utilized for cybercrime activities, prompting him to report the matter to the East Cyber Crime police station in Bengaluru.
Related Incident: Online Escort Service Scam in Bengaluru
In a separate but related context of cyberfraud in the city, a 26-year-old man lost over Rs 64,000 after attempting to book escort services online. The victim, an employee at a private firm identified as Akash, was contacted on Telegram by a woman named Ananya Reddy, who offered such services.
After initial discussions about costs, Ananya convinced Akash to pay Rs 64,500 through multiple transactions via a digital payment app, citing service and security charges. When she demanded additional payments, Akash grew suspicious, canceled the booking, and requested a refund, only to find that Ananya had ceased all communication.
These cases underscore the growing risks of cyberfraud in Bengaluru, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Authorities are investigating both incidents to curb such criminal activities and protect citizens from financial exploitation.
