Pudukkottai Resident Defrauded of Rs 4.68 Lakh in Sophisticated Phone Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime, a man from Pudukkottai district has lost a substantial sum of Rs 4.68 lakh after falling prey to an elaborate impersonation scam. The victim, identified as Dhanasekar of Ezhil Nagar, was targeted by a fraudster who cleverly posed as a bank employee over the telephone.
The Deceptive Phone Call and False Pretenses
According to police reports, Dhanasekar received a phone call on January 29 from an individual claiming to be a bank official. The timing of this call was particularly strategic, as Dhanasekar had recently availed a jewel loan of Rs 9.55 lakh from a bank at Alangudi by mortgaging his family ornaments. After the bank adjusted an outstanding loan amount of Rs 4,78,120, the remaining balance was duly credited to his savings account.
The caller, exploiting knowledge of this recent financial transaction, informed Dhanasekar that verification of his ATM card details was necessary to facilitate the withdrawal of the loan amount. This plausible explanation, coupled with the mention of his specific loan, made the request seem legitimate and urgent.
Critical Information Shared Leading to Financial Loss
Believing the caller to be a genuine bank representative, Dhanasekar proceeded to share sensitive information. He disclosed the 16-digit number printed on the front of his ATM card and the crucial three-digit CVV number located on the back. While he demonstrated some caution by refusing to share any One-Time Password (OTP) that might have been requested, the damage was already set in motion.
Shortly after the call, Dhanasekar's mobile phone received a series of text messages that delivered the shocking news. The alerts confirmed that a total of Rs 4.68 lakh had been withdrawn from his account in three separate transactions. The speed and efficiency of the unauthorized withdrawals indicate a well-executed fraud operation.
Police Complaint and Ongoing Investigation
Acting swiftly, Dhanasekar lodged a formal complaint with the Pudukkottai cybercrime police on Tuesday. The authorities have registered a case and have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. They are examining the phone records, the transaction trails, and other digital footprints to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited communication regarding financial matters. Bank officials never ask for sensitive details like ATM card numbers or CVV over the phone. Citizens are urged to verify the identity of callers directly with their bank through official channels before divulging any personal or financial information.
