Chandigarh Resident Scammed in Credit Card Fraud, Losing Rs 9 Lakh to Fraudulent Callers
Chandigarh Resident Loses Over Rs 9 Lakh in New Credit Card Fraud Scheme
In a startling case of online fraud, a Chandigarh resident lost a staggering Rs 9 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated credit card scam. The incident, which occurred in December 2024, exposes the latest tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting victims. The scam, involving fraudulent phone calls and deceptive video chats, has raised concerns about the growing number of scams targeting credit card applicants.
T Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Sector 31, Chandigarh, received a call from an individual posing as Ajay Tripathi, a representative of Punjab National Bank (PNB). According to reports from The Times of India, the scammer offered assistance in applying for a new credit card, which seemed like a routine promotional call from the bank. Trusting the caller’s authenticity, Rajesh agreed to proceed with the application process.
The Fraudulent Process: A Deceptive Call and Video Chat
The fraudsters, skilled in mimicking official bank procedures, quickly moved the conversation to WhatsApp under the pretense of sharing more information. During a video call, the scammer requested Rajesh’s identity verification, claiming it was a necessary step for the application process. Trusting the interaction, Rajesh shared his personal details, including his wife’s American Express and Axis Bank credit card information.
Following the video call, the scammer sent Rajesh a link, asking him to click it in order to complete the credit card application. However, clicking on this malicious link triggered a series of unauthorized transactions. Rajesh noticed multiple withdrawals, amounting to Rs 8,69,400 from his American Express card, along with an additional Rs 60,000 taken from his Axis Bank card.
Despite quickly blocking both cards, Rajesh had already lost a significant amount of money. The fraudster contacted Rajesh again the following day, informing him about even more unauthorized transactions, and even managed to hack his Amazon account. Fortunately, Amazon’s security systems prevented further damage, but the initial financial blow had already been dealt.
How Credit Card Scams Work
Credit card scams like the one targeting Rajesh are becoming increasingly prevalent. Fraudsters typically pose as bank officials, using phone calls and video chats to create a false sense of legitimacy. They gain the trust of their victims by offering credit card services or claiming to verify existing account details.
Once the victim shares personal information, including card details or even security codes, scammers use fake links or malicious software to infiltrate devices. These links often bypass security measures, giving cybercriminals access to sensitive banking information, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs) that facilitate unauthorized transactions.
Stay Safe from Credit Card Scams: Key Tips
As online scams continue to evolve, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself from credit card fraud. Here are some essential safety measures to follow:
- Verify the Caller’s Identity: Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls claiming to be from your bank. If the call seems suspicious, hang up and contact the bank directly through their official customer service number.
- Never Share Sensitive Information: Never share your credit card details, CVV numbers, or OTPs with anyone over the phone, via messages, or in a video call. Legitimate banks will never ask for this information unsolicited.
- Avoid Video Verification: Banks do not conduct video verification for credit card applications. If someone requests this, hang up the call immediately.
- Inspect Links Carefully: If you receive an unsolicited link for a credit card application, be cautious. Rather than clicking the link, visit the official bank website directly to verify its legitimacy.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to the bank immediately.
Report Fraud to Authorities
If you become a victim of online fraud, it’s vital to report the incident promptly. In Rajesh’s case, he contacted the Chandigarh Cyber Cell, which is investigating the matter. By alerting the authorities, victims can help prevent further scams and assist in tracking down cybercriminals.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
This recent scam targeting credit card applicants is a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit personal information. By staying informed and following simple steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams. As fraudsters become more sophisticated, it’s important to remain cautious and vigilant at all times, especially when dealing with online transactions or phone-based offers.