Victim receives lost money to Tune of Rs 2.91 lakh

Hyderabad: A victim received a call claiming to be from HDFC, requesting an increase in credit card limit and asking for personal details, including card number from the victim and was instructed to install an APK file. The victim installed the application after which his mobile phone was compromised and after which multiple transactions totalling Rs2,91,726 were debited from the victim's HDFC credit card without him disclosing the OTP.

The victim approached the police immediately and NCRP Team of Cyber Crime Unit Hyderabad has identified the Malware sent to the victim’s mobile and on removing it identified that the debited transactions were made on Amazon in three separate purchases. The victim filed an online complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit, Hyderabad, on November 2, 2024. Notices were sent to concerned authorities immediately for blockage of funds. As a result of prompt action by the NCRP Team of Cyber Crime Unit, Hyderabad City has led to the merchant refunding the total amount of Rs2,91,726 to the victim's HDFC credit card without a court order. The Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, commended the unit's efforts."

The police advised the public not to install any APK files which are forwarded or sent through WhatsApp as the fraudsters will steal data by compromising devices. Never respond to emails and embedded APK file links in messages and calls asking you to update or verify KYC documents pending. Never share user ID/Password/Debit Card Number/PIN/CVV/OTP and so on. Immediately change your credentials.

Bank officials, financial institutions, RBI and any genuine entity never ask customers to share confidential information. Never share these confidential details with anyone, even your own family members, and friends. However, if you have any genuine doubt about safety of your interests, it is advisable to physically visit your bank/finance institution.

There is a possibility to get refund of at least part of the lost and Put on hold amount, if it is reported immediately. Victims of such Cyber frauds can report immediately on the helpline number 1930 or through the national Cyber Crime reporting portal cybercrime.gov.in.