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Scammers in India have become so prolific that it is really difficult to keep track of their various modus operandi. The best way to stay safe is usually to use common sense and not share any banking or personal details with people whom you don’t know. However, a new kind of scam has surfaced, using which scammers can steal your hard-earned money, even if you don’t share your OTP.
In a rather bizarre and puzzling incident, a 41-year-old man, M.R. Bhosale from Thane, has filed a complaint with the police after an elaborate online scam duped his father. Bhosale’s father, an auto-rickshaw driver in Ghatkopar, received a text message claiming to be from the Panvel Traffic Police, alleging a traffic violation and instructing him to settle the fine through an app called Vahan Parivahan.
Believing the message to be genuine, Bhosale’s father attempted to download the app but encountered difficulties. Seeking help, he forwarded the message to his son, who installed the app on his device. However, what seemed like a routine verification process soon became a nightmare, as The Free Press Journal reported, as Bhosale’s bank account was swiftly emptied of a significant sum.
After installing the app, Bhosale received numerous OTPs on his phone, indicating potential fraudulent activity. He acted swiftly and removed the app from his device. Despite his efforts, unauthorized transactions totaling Rs 50,000 had already been made from his account.
Upon realizing they had fallen for a relatively sophisticated scam, Bhosale reported the incident to the authorities and filed a formal complaint. He provided all his details regarding the fraudulent mobile number, the deceitful link, and the unauthorized transactions.
Responding to the complaint, the police have launched an investigation, invoking sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using a computer resource) of the Information Technology Act. Efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.
To safeguard against such scams, users are urged to exercise caution when dealing with unknown messages or downloading unfamiliar apps. Unquestioningly trusting such messages can lead to financial losses.
It is crucial to verify the authenticity of communications from supposed official sources and avoid sharing personal or financial information without thorough verification. Also, always confirm the legitimacy of traffic violation notices or other messages through official channels to avoid falling prey to scams.
