Indore Data Entry Operator Defrauded of Rs 5 Lakh in Sophisticated E-KYC Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime, fraudsters posing as bank officials successfully siphoned off nearly Rs 5 lakh from the bank account of a data entry operator employed with a private car company in Indore. The elaborate scam was executed under the guise of updating the victim's e-KYC details, exploiting his trust and leading to significant financial loss.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim, identified as Vikas Shukla, a resident of Scheme No. 71 under the Dwarkapuri police station limits, received a call on February 13 from an individual who introduced himself as Rahul Sharma. The caller claimed to be associated with a bank and informed Shukla that his bank account e-KYC was pending and required immediate updating to avoid disruption of services.
Trusting the caller's professional demeanor, Shukla followed the instructions provided over the phone. The accused sent a software link to his mobile phone and instructed him to download it to complete the e-KYC process efficiently. Unaware of the malicious intent, Shukla installed the application as directed.
Rapid Financial Drain and Realization of Fraud
Soon after the installation, the mobile number linked to his bank account was changed without his knowledge or consent. Within a remarkably short span, multiple online transactions were executed from his account, transferring nearly Rs 5 lakh to various different accounts. Shukla continued to receive transaction alerts on his phone, which gradually made him realize that he had been duped in a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme.
Upon discovering the fraud, Vikas Shukla immediately contacted the cyber helpline and lodged a formal complaint. On Saturday, the matter was officially forwarded to the Dwarkapuri police station, where a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against unidentified persons who had contacted him from two specific mobile numbers.
Police Investigation and Public Advisory
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed that the police have initiated a thorough investigation into the case. Authorities are currently analyzing the call details and technical data to trace the origin of the fraudulent calls and the network utilized by the accused individuals.
In light of this incident, officials have once again strongly advised citizens to exercise extreme caution. They emphasized that individuals should never share sensitive banking details or download unknown applications based on instructions from callers claiming to be bank representatives. Vigilance and verification through official channels remain crucial to preventing such cybercrimes.
