Hyderabad: A 64-year-old resident of Tolichowki became the victim to cyber fraud after ordering groceries via Blinkit app.
Upon noticing a missing item, the victim searched for Blinkit’s customer care number on Google and unknowingly contacted a fraudulent number. The person on call redirected him to another number and, through WhatsApp, instructed him to screen share and open the PhonePe app.
Following the fraudster’s instructions, the victim was misled into making UPI transactions and changing the default payment account. Soon after, he received SMS alerts indicating that a total of Rs.1.40 lakh had been fraudulently debited from his bank account.
Realizing it was a case of cyber phishing, the victim has approached the authorities to lodge a complaint and seek justice, hoping to prevent others from falling prey to such scams.
In an advisory, the police asked the public to beware of fake customer care numbers online. Cybercriminals are creating fake customer care numbers and promoting them through online search engines to target users.
Never search customer care numbers on Google or other search engines. Always use the official app or website of the service provider. Do not screen share or grant remote access to unknown persons via WhatsApp, AnyDesk, or similar apps.
Never make UPI payments or enter PINs on the instruction of unknown callers. Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading files sent by strangers through WhatsApp or SMS. If anyone suspects fraud, immediately contact the bank concerned and freeze accounts or cards.
Awareness and prompt reporting are key to preventing further victimization, the police said, advising people to preserve all communication, including messages, call records, and transaction proofs. Victims of cybercrime fraud can immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any emergency of cyber frauds please call or WhatsApp 8712665171.
