Chandigarh Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 7.75 Lakh in Elaborate Credit Card Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing menace of online financial fraud, a 70-year-old senior citizen from Chandigarh was duped of a staggering Rs 7.75 lakh by cyber criminals posing as bank officials offering a credit card. The elaborate scam, which unfolded over digital platforms, has raised serious questions about banking security protocols and the vulnerability of elderly users on social media.
How the Facebook Advertisement Lured the Victim
The victim, identified as Amarpal Singh Gujral, a resident of Sector 40 in Chandigarh, first encountered the fraudulent scheme in November 2025. He noticed an advertisement on Facebook promoting a credit card from a well-known local bank. The ad appeared legitimate, complete with official-looking logos and enticing offers, which prompted Mr. Gujral to express interest.
Shortly after, the accused individuals contacted him directly on WhatsApp, masquerading as bank representatives. They assured him of a smooth and quick credit card issuance process, exploiting his trust and the perceived convenience of digital banking services.
The Elaborate Fraud Process and Bank's Alleged Inaction
According to the police complaint filed by Mr. Gujral, the cyber cons meticulously executed their plan without requiring him to share any OTP (One-Time Password) or account passwords, a common red flag in such scams. Instead, they manipulated banking procedures to gain unauthorized access to his funds.
What makes this case particularly alarming is the victim's proactive efforts to prevent the theft. Upon suspecting foul play, Mr. Gujral immediately informed the bank, requesting that his accounts be frozen to halt any transactions. He detailed making 14 frantic calls to both the branch manager and the customer care helpline, pleading for urgent intervention.
Despite these repeated alerts and his timely notification, the bank allegedly failed to act swiftly enough. Shockingly, three separate withdrawals were processed from his account, totaling over Rs 7.7 lakh, before any protective measures were implemented. The victim has accused the bank of negligence, claiming it did not adequately safeguard his money despite being alerted to the potential fraud.
Broader Implications for Cybersecurity and Elderly Protection
This incident underscores several critical issues in today's digital landscape:
- Targeting of Senior Citizens: Elderly individuals are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyber criminals due to their potential lack of familiarity with online security measures.
- Exploitation of Social Media Platforms: Scammers are leveraging platforms like Facebook to place deceptive ads that mimic legitimate financial institutions, making it harder for users to distinguish fraud from genuine offers.
- Banking Security Gaps: The case raises concerns about the responsiveness and effectiveness of bank fraud prevention systems, especially when customers report suspicious activities in real-time.
- Need for Enhanced Vigilance: It highlights the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate users, particularly vulnerable groups, about recognizing and avoiding such sophisticated scams.
The Chandigarh police have registered a case and are investigating the matter, aiming to track down the perpetrators behind this calculated cyber fraud. As digital transactions become more prevalent, such incidents serve as a stark reminder for both financial institutions and individuals to bolster their defenses against evolving online threats.
