Chandigarh Cyber Cons Swindle Rs 32 Lakh from Elderly Cancer Patient
In a distressing incident in Chandigarh, cyber criminals have defrauded an elderly woman of a staggering Rs 32 lakh by hacking her phone and fraudulently withdrawing funds from her joint savings account. The victim, a resident of Sector 15, Chandigarh, is a cancer patient who is partially paralysed, making her particularly vulnerable to such scams.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The complainant, Buland Iqbal Singh, who holds the joint account with his mother, reported that the account contained Rs 32 lakh, which was primarily used to cover her medical expenses. However, when he attempted to make an online payment, he discovered that the account was blocked. Upon visiting the bank, he was shocked to learn that the account had been hacked, and the entire sum of Rs 32 lakh had been withdrawn without authorization.
Investigations revealed that call forwarding had been activated on the elderly woman's phone a few days prior to the theft, without her knowledge. This malicious act likely facilitated the hackers in bypassing security measures and gaining access to sensitive banking information.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities in Chandigarh have taken swift action by registering a case based on the complaint. The police have launched a thorough investigation to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber crimes targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals, especially in urban areas like Chandigarh.
Experts warn that such scams often involve sophisticated techniques, such as phone hacking and social engineering, to exploit victims. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, secure their devices, and report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent similar frauds. The case underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to protect against financial crimes.
