Naresh Kumar, the son of former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, has fallen victim to a massive cyber fraud, losing a staggering Rs 7.8 crore. The incident has prompted the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the authorities.
Details of the Fraud
The fraud came to light when Naresh Kumar reported that he was duped by unknown cyber criminals who posed as bank officials. The fraudsters reportedly called him and convinced him to share sensitive bank account details. They then siphoned off Rs 7.8 crore from his account over a period of time.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The cyber criminals used sophisticated techniques to gain Naresh Kumar's trust. They allegedly called him multiple times, pretending to be from his bank's fraud detection department. They claimed that his account had been compromised and required immediate action to secure it. Under this pretext, they obtained his login credentials and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
Once they had access, they transferred the funds to multiple accounts across different banks. The fraud was discovered only when Naresh Kumar noticed unauthorized transactions in his bank statement. He immediately approached the police, leading to the registration of an FIR.
Police Investigation Underway
The Delhi Police has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The investigation is focused on tracing the money trail and identifying the fraudsters. Cyber experts are analyzing the call records and digital footprints to nab the culprits.
A senior police official stated that such frauds are on the rise, with criminals using advanced social engineering tactics. They urged the public to never share personal banking details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank.
Preventive Measures
In light of this incident, experts advise the following precautions to avoid falling prey to cyber fraud:
- Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone.
- Banks never ask for such details over the phone or via email.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank directly using official numbers.
- Regularly monitor bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.
- Report any fraudulent activity immediately to the bank and the police.
This case highlights the growing menace of cybercrime in India, affecting even high-profile individuals. The police are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice, but awareness and vigilance remain the best defense against such frauds.
