Beware of Scammers: Hyderabad Businessman Loses ₹2.93 Lakh in 'Customer Support App' Scam
The city of Hyderabad has witnessed a surge in cybercrime cases, with scammers finding innovative ways to dupe innocent victims of their hard-earned money. In the latest incident, a businessman from Hyderabad lost ₹2.93 lakh after downloading a fake 'customer support app' link that was sent to him via a phishing email. This incident highlights the growing menace of online scams and the need for individuals to remain vigilant while navigating the digital world.
The 'Customer Support App' Scam Explained
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed that he received an email claiming to be from a reputable online shopping platform. The email stated that his account had been compromised, and he needed to download a 'customer support app' to regain access to his account. Unbeknownst to the victim, the link was a phishing scam, designed to trick him into installing malware on his device.
As soon as the victim downloaded the app, his device became a virtual ATM for the scammers. The phone was inundated with fake pop-up messages and notifications, asking the victim to share his sensitive information, including his bank account details and password. Within minutes, the scammers made a series of unauthorized transactions from the victim's account, leaving him poorer by ₹2.93 lakh.
The Rising Menace of Impersonation Scams
In a separate case, a resident of Hyderabad lost ₹1.55 lakh in an impersonation scam. The victim reported that he received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a representative of the income tax department. The scammer told the victim that he was eligible for a tax refund and asked him to provide his bank account details to facilitate the transfer. Unwittingly, the victim shared his account number and password, allowing the scammer to siphon off ₹1.55 lakh.
Impersonation scams have become increasingly common in Hyderabad, with scammers posing as representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, or even utility providers. These scammers exploit the victim's trust by using fake IDs, customer IDs, and even employee IDs. Once the victim is convinced, the scammer proceeds to gather sensitive information, which is then used to carry out unauthorized transactions.
Cybercrime Statistics: A Growing Concern
According to the data released by the Cyberabad Police, the number of cybercrime cases in Hyderabad has witnessed a steady rise over the years. In 2020, the city reported 12,155 cybercrime cases, with losses amounting to ₹15.55 crore. The number of cases increased by 15% in 2021, with losses totaling ₹20.42 crore. The statistics reveal that the majority of the cases involved phishing scams, online fraud, and financial theft.
Prevention is Better than Cure
While law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat cybercrime, it is essential for individuals to take preventive measures to safeguard their online identities. Here are some tips to help you avoid falling prey to cyber scammers:
- Verify authenticity: Be cautious when receiving emails or messages from unknown senders. Verify the authenticity of the email or message by contacting the sender directly.
- Use strong passwords: Use complex passwords and avoid sharing them with anyone.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, especially for sensitive transactions.
- Install anti-virus software: Install anti-virus software on your device to detect and block malware.
- Report suspicious activity: Report suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
The Road to justice
In both cases, the victims approached the Cyberabad Police and filed complaints against the scammers. The police launched an investigation and were able to track down the scammers in a short span of time. The victims were able to recover a portion of their lost money, thanks to the prompt action taken by the authorities.
Conclusion
The case of the Hyderabad businessman and the impersonation scam are stark reminders of the growing menace of online scams. As we increasingly rely on digital platforms for our daily transactions, it is essential for us to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard our online identities. By being aware of the latest scams and taking preventive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling prey to these online predators.
What You Can Do
If you have fallen victim to a cybercrime or suspect someone of committing a cybercrime, report it to the authorities immediately. The Cyberabad Police has set up a dedicated cybercrime cell to deal with such cases. You can contact them on their toll-free number or through their online portal.
Reporting Cybercrime in Hyderabad
You can report cybercrime in Hyderabad by:
- Contacting the Cyberabad Police Cybercrime Cell on 040-27852323 or 27852324.
- Filing a complaint on the Hyderabad Police online portal at hyderabadpolice.gov.in
- Visiting the nearest police station and registering a complaint.
Remember, report cybercrime early and report it often. Your vigilance can help bring cyber scammers to justice and make the digital world a safer place for all of us.
