In a shocking case of virtual credit card scam, a 53-year-old woman from Hyderabad fell victim to cybercriminals and lost ₹2.29 lakh.
This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of fraudsters and the importance of staying vigilant against financial scams.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The victim received a phone call from a person posing as the customer care head of Union Bank of India.
The caller informed her that she was eligible for a new credit card with a generous limit of ₹5 lakh.
Trusting the authenticity of the call, she shared sensitive details, including a picture of her credit card and an OTP, on WhatsApp.
Shortly after, she received another call from a different individual claiming to be from the bank’s customer support.
The second caller informed her that a virtual credit card had been generated in her name and that transactions worth ₹2,29,180 had already been made.
Realizing she had been duped, the victim immediately contacted her bank but found that the damage had already been done.
Lessons to Learn from This Incident
This case serves as a stark reminder that cybercriminals use sophisticated techniques to exploit trust and urgency.
Here are some key lessons you can learn to protect yourself from falling into such traps:
- Banks Never Ask for Sensitive Information: Banks never request OTPs, credit card details, or personal identification over phone calls or messages.
- Verify Caller Authenticity: Always verify any call claiming to be from a bank by calling the official customer care number listed on the bank’s website.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information on WhatsApp: Banks do not ask for confidential details via messaging apps like WhatsApp.
- Enable Transaction Alerts: Always keep transaction alerts active on your mobile and email to monitor unauthorized transactions in real time.
- Report Suspicious Calls Immediately: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the bank immediately.
What to Do If You Become a Victim?
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a virtual credit card scam or other similar cyber fraud, then act quickly to increase the chance of recovery of losses.
Register with us now. Our team will assist you in filing a complaint & taking the right steps to recover the lost amount quickly.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Financial frauds are evolving, and scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive people.
While banks and financial institutions work hard to protect customers, individuals must take proactive measures to safeguard their financial assets.
Always double-check any financial offer and never share sensitive details with unverified callers.
