Retired Bank Officer Defrauded of Rs 15.99 Lakh in Sophisticated Cyber Scam in Rajkot
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing menace of online financial fraud, a 72-year-old retired bank officer from Rajkot has been allegedly cheated of Rs 15.99 lakh by cybercriminals. The scammers targeted the senior citizen by offering a fake Bank of Baroda pension card, exploiting his trust and the recent merger of banks.
Details of the Cyber Fraud Case
The victim, identified as Hasmukh Ganatra, a retired officer from Dena Bank, has filed a formal complaint with the Cybercrime Police Station in Rajkot city. The complaint names unknown bank account holders as the perpetrators. This case underscores the sophisticated methods used by fraudsters to deceive even experienced banking professionals.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the complaint lodged by Ganatra, the incident began on November 6 when he was browsing Facebook. He encountered a page named ‘Bank of Baroda’ that prominently displayed an application form for a ‘Bank of Baroda Pension Retired Card.’ Given that Dena Bank had merged with Bank of Baroda, Ganatra found the offer credible and clicked on the "apply" button.
Approximately an hour later, he received a video call on WhatsApp. During this call, only the Bank of Baroda logo was visible, adding a layer of authenticity to the interaction. The caller, posing as a bank representative, proceeded to verify sensitive details including:
- Ganatra's bank account number
- The mobile number linked to his account
- His residential address
The caller assured him that his pension card was being processed and generated.
The Aftermath and Financial Loss
Shortly after the video call, Ganatra experienced a critical issue: his mobile phone became completely locked. Unable to access his device, he took it to a service centre, where technicians had to format it to restore functionality.
The following day brought a shocking discovery. Ganatra found that Rs 15.99 lakh had been siphoned from his bank account in three separate transactions. The swift and unauthorized transfers indicate that the scammers likely gained access to his banking credentials during the verification process, possibly through malware or phishing techniques.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in online banking and social media platforms. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting elderly individuals, who may be less familiar with digital security protocols. The use of official-looking logos and verification calls makes such scams particularly convincing.
Authorities advise the public to:
- Verify the authenticity of any unsolicited offers from banks through official channels.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial details over phone or video calls.
- Enable two-factor authentication and regularly monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity.
The Rajkot Cybercrime Police are investigating the matter, but no arrests have been made yet as the account holders remain unidentified.
