Sumitra (name changed) received a call from an unknown number around 3:55 PM on January 20.
She assumed the call was from SBI since the name appeared on the display, and she had an account with the bank.
The automated voice on the call announced that Rs 2 lakh is being transferred from your account.
Imagine receiving a call from your bank, warning you about an unauthorised transaction. Panic sets in, and you quickly follow the instructions to stop it. But instead of securing your money, you end up losing it. That’s exactly what happened to a 57-year-old woman in Bengaluru, who was scammed out of Rs 2 lakh after responding to a fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) call.
Keep reading to know how the scam unfolded and how you can avoid falling for such frauds.
How the scam unfolded
Sumitra (name changed) received a call from an unknown number around 3:55 PM on January 20. She assumed the call was from SBI since the name appeared on the display, and she had an account with the bank.
The automated voice on the call announced that Rs 2 lakh is being transferred from your account. If this transaction was made by you, press 3; if not, press 1. Shocked and confused, Sumitra initially did not respond. The message repeated multiple times, prompting her to press ‘1’ to report the unauthorised transaction. Immediately after, the call ended. When she checked her bank account, Rs 2 lakh had already been debited, reports TOI. She rushed to the bank, where the manager advised her to call the cyber helpline 1930 and file a complaint.