Silent Credit Card Scams Hit Vizag Residents
Cyber criminals in Visakhapatnam have perfected a disturbing new tactic. Victims are losing substantial amounts from their credit cards without ever revealing sensitive information like OTPs. More than twenty cases have emerged in Vizag city recently. Residents keep reporting unauthorized transactions on their cards, often without receiving any alerts.
Victims Share Their Stories
A 40-year-old defence employee recently approached the Vizag cybercrime police. He complained that his credit cards were misused for purchases worth ₹75,000. He received OTPs but never shared them with anyone. Despite this precaution, the money was still deducted from his account.
KS Kumar, whose name has been changed for privacy, faced a similar shock. He received his first credit card in 2025. To his dismay, he got a bill for over ₹1 lakh even though he had never used the card for any transaction.
Another resident explained he had only provided his name and mobile number to an online delivery service. He still lost ₹1.5 lakh from his card. A different victim discovered a fraud of nearly ₹2 lakh only after receiving his monthly statement.
Collective Losses and Police Investigation
Collectively, over twenty people in Vizag have lost more than ₹10 lakh in recent weeks. All victims insist they neither shared their OTPs nor made the purchases that appeared on their statements.
Inspector K. Bhavani Prasad of the Vizag cybercrime police shed light on the method. He explained that the frauds occurred after victims unknowingly downloaded malicious APK files. These files allowed fraudsters to intercept OTPs and withdraw funds without the cardholder's knowledge.
Security Vulnerabilities and Fraudster Tactics
Cyber security experts pointed to several weak security measures that made users vulnerable. The lack of two-step verification and the widespread use of contactless cards created opportunities for criminals. Cyber crooks also tricked victims with fake UPI links.
With Sankranti festivities in full swing, fraudsters have intensified their attacks. They are luring people with bogus reward point redemptions and fake cashback offers. Other tactics include promises of credit-limit upgrades and impersonation calls from reputed banks.
The criminals dangle offers of lifetime free credit cards. They send fraudulent links through messages to deceive unsuspecting users. The police urge citizens to be extremely cautious with any unsolicited offers or links, especially during the festive season.
