Techie loses 13 lakh in remote access cyber scam: What is it and how to protect yourself

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall victim to online scams, especially when fraudsters pose as trusted figures like bank executives. A recent incident in Pune serves as a stark reminder of how these scams can happen to anyone, even those working at organisations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

A 57-year-old technical officer, employed at a key DRDO research facility in Pune, lost Rs 13 lakh to cyber fraudsters. The fraudsters contacted him through WhatsApp, pretending to be representatives of a public sector bank. They claimed that his Know Your Customer (KYC) details needed to be updated, or his bank account would be frozen. To make the message appear authentic, they attached a file to the message.

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Believing the message was legitimate, the officer downloaded the file, which turned out to be a remote access application. Soon after, he started receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) on his phone, but since he wasn’t making any transactions at that moment, he ignored them. 

Within moments, his bank account was drained of Rs 12.95 lakh. Realising he had fallen victim to a scam, the officer reported the incident to the police.

This case highlights a growing trend of remote access cyber scams. In these scams, criminals manipulate victims into downloading malicious apps, which give them remote access to the victim’s phone. Once they have access, the fraudsters can siphon money from the victim’s bank account. The scammers often use fake pretexts, such as KYC updates or unpaid bills, to trick people into downloading these harmful applications.

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How to protect yourself from such scams

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages: Never respond to messages from unknown numbers or emails, especially if they ask you to update your KYC or make a payment.
• Avoid clicking on links or attachments: Do not click on any link or download files from suspicious messages, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
• Verify the source: Always verify such requests directly with your bank using their official contact details.
• Act quickly if scammed: If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately, report the incident to the cyber crime cell, and file a complaint with the police.