Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 1.5 Lakh in Vasco Cyber Attack
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of cyber crimes in the port town of Vasco and its surrounding areas, a senior citizen has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online fraud scheme. The victim, identified as Joseph Mario Lopes, aged 72 and a resident of Chicalim, lost a substantial sum of Rs 1.5 lakh from his bank account after falling prey to a deceptive phone call.
Details of the Fraudulent Transaction
According to the Vasco police, the incident occurred in the early hours of February 4, around 12:40 AM. An unidentified individual contacted Lopes over the phone, impersonating an employee of a well-known hypermarket chain. The fraudster cleverly manipulated Lopes by sending him a malicious link and instructing him to click on it.
The accused person then directed Lopes to fill in his credit card details, falsely claiming that this action would streamline his banking transactions, making them easier and more convenient. Trusting the caller, Lopes complied with the instructions and entered the required information.
Immediate Financial Loss and Police Response
As soon as Lopes completed the procedure, he realized that an amount of Rs 1.5 lakh had been fraudulently debited from his bank account without his knowledge or consent. Shocked by the unauthorized transaction, he promptly lodged a formal complaint with the Vasco police.
In response, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 319 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is being led by Police Sub-Inspector Nikhil Dessai, who is working under the supervision of Inspector Vaibhav Naik and Superintendent of Police Gurudas Kadam. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Rising Cyber Crime Concerns in Vasco
This case underscores a troubling trend of increasing cyber crimes in Vasco and nearby regions, posing significant risks to residents, especially vulnerable groups like senior citizens. Police officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages requesting personal or financial information.
Key precautions include:
- Verifying the identity of callers before sharing any details.
- Avoiding clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Regularly monitoring bank accounts for suspicious activity.
- Reporting any suspected fraud immediately to law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to combat such digital threats and enhance cybersecurity awareness in the community.
