Mysore individual loses Rs 4.7 lakh after call about illegal SIM card use: Here’s what happened

Imagine receiving a call claiming your phone is linked to illegal activities and being pressured to act without fully understanding the situation. This happened to a young man from Mysore, who found himself in the middle of a horrifying scam. In just 24 hours, he lost Rs 4.7 lakh due to cyber fraudsters who tricked him into sharing access to his device.

The complainant recently approached the Cybercrime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) Station, claiming that the financial service providers are harassing him over loan payments, adding mental distress to his ordeal.

According to the FIR filed by the CEN police, the fraudsters lured the victim by claiming that his SIM card had been misused in illegal activities and that he was facing a non-bailable offence. They asked him to download a communication app to speak to a senior officer about the situation, reports TOI.

Also read: Scrolling Instagram reels costs Mumbai woman Rs 6.37 lakh, here’s how

As per the victim’s complaint, the fraudsters then tricked him into sharing his bank account details under the guise of verification. Soon after, Rs 4.7 lakh was deposited into his bank account and quickly withdrawn by the fraudsters.

After being digitally arrested for 24 hours, the victim checked his SMS and discovered that a loan had been taken in his name from a financial services company. Upon learning this, he is now receiving repeated notices demanding EMI payments for the loan, even though he insists that he never took a loan. This has only added to his mental stress, prompting him to seek police assistance.

The incident serves as a chilling reminder of how cyber fraudsters can manipulate individuals into making costly mistakes. While these scams are sophisticated, awareness and caution can go a long way in protecting yourself.

Also read: Mumbai woman loses Rs 2.6 cr after being added to a WhatsApp group: How the scam unfolded

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Avoid sharing personal information: Never share bank details, Aadhaar numbers, or other personal information over the phone or online unless you’re absolutely sure of the authenticity.
• Verify calls: If you receive suspicious calls, independently verify the information by contacting the company or government agency directly.
• Be cautious with links and apps: Fraudsters may ask you to download apps or click on links. Always confirm the legitimacy before proceeding.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Strengthen your financial accounts by adding extra security layers.
• Report suspicious activities: If you suspect a fraud, inform your bank and local law enforcement immediately.