Bhopal – In a shocking incident, a retired professor’s family has fallen victim to a cyber scam in which they lost ₹10 lakh due to mobile hacking. The incident took place when Sarita Verma, a 75-year-old widow from Hyderabad, visited her nephew in Bhopal. This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of safeguarding personal information.
The Incident: A Shocking Turn of Events
Sarita Verma was staying with her nephew, Yash Johari, in the Gree Heights Amaltas Gulmohar area. During her visit, she attempted to conduct some banking transactions online. On October 19, she searched for the contact number of a State Bank of India (SBI) officer for assistance. Unfortunately, the number she called turned out to belong to a scammer.
The caller, posing as a bank officer, engaged Sarita in conversation. He skillfully extracted sensitive banking information, including her account details.
How the Scam Unfolded
After obtaining Sarita’s banking information, the scammer hacked into her mobile phone. He promptly changed her internet banking password, gaining full control over her account. Using this access, he initiated two Fixed Deposits (FDs) of ₹5 lakh each, withdrawing a total of ₹10 lakh without her knowledge.
The fraud came to light only after Sarita received a message from the bank notifying her of the withdrawals. Confused and alarmed, she immediately contacted her nephew, who advised her to report the incident to the police.
This unfortunate incident involving Sarita Verma serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercriminals. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by scammers. Therefore, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity in our daily lives. By taking proactive steps, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims of cyber fraud.
