Kolkata Resident Reports Major Credit Card Fraud, Cyber Police Investigate
A 53-year-old resident of Rajarhat in Kolkata has come forward with a serious allegation of financial fraud, claiming that nearly Rs 2 lakh was illicitly withdrawn from his State Bank of India (SBI) credit card through two unauthorized transactions. The incident has prompted an official investigation by the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, highlighting growing concerns over digital financial security in urban areas.
Details of the Unauthorized Transactions
According to the complaint filed by the high-rise complex resident, the fraudulent activity occurred on the evening of January 27. The victim received two consecutive SMS alerts around 6:27 pm and 6:28 pm, notifying him of transactions amounting to Rs 98,564 and Rs 98,463, respectively. The total sum allegedly siphoned off adds up to Rs 1,97,027, a significant financial loss for the individual.
Immediate Response and Bank Coordination
Upon receiving the alerts, the complainant acted swiftly by contacting the SBI credit card department to request an immediate block on his card. He also submitted a formal transaction dispute form to the bank and lodged a detailed complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, demonstrating proactive steps to mitigate the damage. It took approximately 15 days for the bank to provide the transaction IDs, which are crucial for the ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation and Digital Trail Analysis
The Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police have initiated a thorough probe into the matter. Authorities are focusing on tracing the beneficiaries of the fraudulent transactions and examining the digital trail associated with the alleged fraud. This involves coordination with the bank and the payment gateway to obtain technical details that could reveal how the security breach occurred.
No arrests have been made so far, as the investigation is still in its early stages. Police officials emphasize the importance of digital forensics in such cases, given the complexity of online financial crimes.
Broader Implications for Financial Security
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in digital payment systems and the need for enhanced security measures. With cyber crimes on the rise, especially in metropolitan areas like Kolkata, consumers are urged to monitor their financial transactions closely and report any suspicious activity immediately. The case also highlights the role of platforms like the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in facilitating swift action against such frauds.
As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to not only resolve this specific case but also identify patterns that could prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaboration between law enforcement, banks, and payment gateways is critical in combating the evolving threat of cyber financial fraud.
