A single phone call claiming a “hacked bank account” was all it took for a cybercriminal to steal ₹7.76 lakh from a city resident.
The victim, Inderpal Singh from Guru Nanak Nagar, initially ignored the fraudster’s call, but moments later, he discovered that his account had been drained.
This alarming case highlights how scammers manipulate fear and urgency to trick victims into financial losses.
Let’s break down how bank accounts are hacked, the tactics used, and how you can protect yourself from falling into the same trap.
The Scam Unfolded
Inderpal Singh, a resident of Guru Nanak Nagar, received a call from an unknown number. The caller falsely claimed that his bank account had been hacked and insisted on verifying his ATM card and bank account details to “resolve” the issue.
Sensing something suspicious, Singh ignored the call and put his phone on silent mode.
However, when he checked his account later, he was shocked to find that ₹7.76 lakh had been fraudulently withdrawn.
Realizing he had been scammed, he promptly reported the matter to the police.
Wondering how this had happened?
Well, there could be many possibilities, and one such could be ‘Call Forwarding’.
The fraudster may have tricked the victim into enabling call forwarding (perhaps in a previous interaction). Once activated, the scammer could receive OTPs and verification calls meant for the victim.
This would allow them to complete fraudulent transactions without needing direct interaction with the victim.
Now, this is just an assumption and there are many more possibilities by which scammers get into the sensitive details of the client.
How to Report Online Frauds in India?
If you have been a victim of any such scam, then there are multiple ways to report it. To get complete and tailored assistance, register with us now.
Our team will call you to provide a complete solution and help with recovery process.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Frauds?
There are many ways to protect from online fraud and the most is to stay aware. Other than this:
- Avoid sharing personal details with unknowns.
- Do not click on links from unknown sources.
- Download apps only from the Play Store or App Store post checking reviews & ratings.
Other than this, if you suspect a call forwarding scam, then take some additional measures like:
- Dial ##002# on your phone and press call to disable any active call forwarding.
- Never dial a code sent by a stranger.
- Activate SMS alerts for missed calls to know if calls are being redirected.
- Enable SIM Lock
Conclusion
Cyber frauds are increasing at an alarming rate, and scammers are getting smarter. Staying informed and practicing safe online habits can help protect your hard-earned money. Always remember, your bank will never ask for sensitive details over a call.
In case you have been scammed in any of the online fraud, then fill in the form below. Our team will contact you and assist you in reporting a case on a respective platform.
