Cyber Fraud in Pathanamthitta: Man Loses Rs 95,000 in Scam

Pathanamthitta, Kerala (PTI): A distressing incident of cyber fraud unfolded in the southern district of Pathanamthitta, where a 52-year-old man fell victim to a scam, losing Rs 95,000 after being deceived while attempting to service his water purifier. The incident took place on August 23, as reported by the police. The victim, in need of customer service for his water purifier, sought contact information online, inadvertently reaching a fraudulent toll-free number. Upon dialing the number, he was assured that a company representative would soon contact him. Later that day, the man received a call from an individual posing as a company executive. This imposter instructed him to activate the service facility by downloading an app through a link sent to his phone.

Unbeknownst to the victim, the application was a remote access app. Immediately after installing the app, three unauthorized UPI transactions were executed, resulting in the loss of Rs 95,000.

Investigations by the police revealed that the fictitious toll-free number had been posted online by cybercriminals. The remote access app permitted these fraudsters to control the victim’s phone and conduct the illicit transactions.

Pathanamthitta Cyber Police Station has registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, following the complaint lodged by the victim.

Authorities are diligently working to trace the accounts where the stolen money was transferred, with hopes of recovering the sum. Law enforcement officials have observed several such occurrences nationwide, where counterfeit customer care numbers have been disseminated online.

Officials caution citizens to verify contact details directly from official company websites. With the festive season approaching and a rise in customer service interactions expected for product installations, consumers are urged to exercise increased vigilance.

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