A resident of Pilibhit district in Uttar Pradesh has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing a substantial sum of money after interacting with a deceptive message on WhatsApp. The incident highlights the growing threat of social engineering attacks targeting unsuspecting individuals through popular messaging platforms.
The Deceptive Invitation That Led to Financial Loss
The victim, identified as Munish Kumar Jaiswal, a 35-year-old from Puranpur city, received messages from an unknown phone number on December 29. The sender, pretending to be known to Jaiswal, invited him to attend his sister's wedding. As part of the ruse, the fraudster later sent an image file disguised as a wedding invitation card.
Upon downloading the file, Jaiswal's mobile phone was allegedly compromised. Cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to his device, which subsequently led to a direct financial heist. Shortly after the download, a total of Rs 4.34 lakh was siphoned off from his savings account held at the Puranpur branch of his bank. The money was withdrawn in three separate transactions, leaving Jaiswal in shock.
Police Action and Legal Framework
Frustrated by the lack of response after initially registering a complaint with the national cybercrime helpline, Jaiswal approached the local police with a written complaint. Taking cognizance of the serious nature of the crime, the Puranpur Kotwali police station registered a formal case on Saturday.
The Station House Officer (SHO), Pawan Pandey, confirmed that the case has been filed under relevant sections of cyber and criminal law. The charges include Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which pertains to cheating by personation using computer resources. Additionally, the police have invoked BNS Section 318(4), dealing with cheating and dishonestly inducing a person to deliver property.
A Cautionary Tale for Digital Users
This case from Pilibhit serves as a stark reminder of the perils lurking in unsolicited digital communications. Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting trust and social occasions, like weddings, to deploy malware or phishing links. The incident underscores several critical points for the public:
- Never download files or click on links from unknown or unverified contacts, even if the context seems benign.
- Enable two-factor authentication on banking apps and WhatsApp for an added layer of security.
- If you suspect your device has been compromised, immediately disconnect it from the internet and inform your bank.
- Report such incidents promptly to local police in addition to the cybercrime portal for quicker action.
The investigation into Jaiswal's case is ongoing, as authorities work to trace the unidentified number and the trail of the stolen funds. This event reinforces the need for continuous public awareness about evolving cybercrime tactics in the digital age.
