A 72-year-old retired bank employee from Karnataka has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online scam, losing a staggering sum of Rs 21 lakh. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting vulnerable citizens through social media platforms.
The Deceptive Facebook Advertisement
The unfortunate sequence of events began on November 28, when the victim, identified as H Raghuram Shetty, was scrolling through Facebook. He came across an advertisement that specifically caught his eye. The ad falsely claimed to offer special cards and exclusive benefits for individuals who had retired from nationalised banks. Seeing an offer tailored to his own profile, Shetty, a former bank employee himself, clicked on the link.
How the Scam Unfolded
After clicking the ad, Shetty was directed to a fraudulent website designed to mimic a legitimate banking or government portal. The site likely prompted him to enter sensitive personal and financial details to "avail" the promised benefits. Trusting the official-looking facade, he proceeded to share confidential information.
This information gave the scammers direct access to his financial accounts. In a short period, the criminals systematically siphoned off a total of Rs 21,00,000 (Twenty-One Lakh Rupees) from Shetty's savings. The retired individual, realizing he had been duped, subsequently approached the police to file a formal complaint detailing the entire fraud.
A Warning for Digital Citizens
This case is a stark reminder of the perils of online deception. Scammers are increasingly crafting highly targeted schemes, using platforms like Facebook to reach specific demographics, such as senior citizens or retired professionals. They exploit trust and a lack of digital literacy to steal life savings.
Key takeaways from this incident include:
- Be extremely cautious of unsolicited ads or messages offering financial benefits, discounts, or exclusive cards.
- Never share personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone, regardless of how legitimate the request appears.
- Verify any "official" offer by contacting the bank or organisation directly using phone numbers or websites from trusted sources, not the links provided in the ad.
- Educate elderly family members about these common online fraud tactics.
Authorities are investigating the case, but recovering lost funds in such cyber crimes remains a significant challenge. Vigilance is the first and most crucial line of defence in the digital age.
