By The Sampadak Express
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a woman from Bengaluru lost ₹2 lakh after falling victim to a cleverly orchestrated scam involving a fake Interactive Voice Response (IVR) call. The scam, which appears to be a more advanced version of traditional IVR-based fraud, has raised concerns among investigators about new tactics used by cybercriminals to bypass security measures.
The Scam Unfolds
The victim received an automated phone call, which at first seemed legitimate. The pre-recorded voice on the other end of the call claimed that ₹2 lakh was about to be transferred from her bank account. The message prompted her to confirm or dispute the transaction by pressing specific keys on her phone. Confused but caught off guard, the woman hesitated, unsure about the legitimacy of the call.
Despite her doubts, she followed the instructions, pressing the key to deny the transfer. However, moments after the call ended, she received a new alert from her bank, showing that ₹2 lakh had been withdrawn from her account. It was only then that she realized she had been tricked.
Immediate Action and Investigation
Realizing she had fallen victim to a scam, the woman immediately rushed to her bank for assistance. Bank officials advised her to report the incident to the cybercrime helpline (1930) and file a police complaint without delay. Following the necessary steps, the woman lodged a formal complaint, and a case was registered under the Information Technology Act and IPC Section 318, which pertains to cheating.
The police have initiated an investigation, with authorities suspecting that this case may involve a new type of IVR-based scam. Unlike traditional scams, where victims are tricked into providing sensitive information such as bank account details or PINs, this case did not involve any explicit sharing of such credentials. This has led investigators to believe that the fraudsters might have used a more sophisticated method to gain access to the victim’s funds.
Investigating a New Scam Technique
Cybercrime investigators are currently exploring the possibility that scammers have developed a new technique that bypasses the usual security measures. One senior police officer suggested that the victim may have unknowingly provided critical information during the call. Alternatively, it is also being considered that the fraudsters could have found a way to bypass the security protocols without needing to directly acquire sensitive details.
Experts believe that scammers are becoming more adept at exploiting vulnerable targets by using technologies that appear legitimate, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to discern genuine calls from fraudulent ones.
Raising Awareness
This case serves as a warning to the public about the growing sophistication of cybercrimes. Authorities are urging people to stay vigilant and avoid interacting with unsolicited phone calls, particularly those asking for personal or financial information. They advise individuals to always verify the authenticity of any call claiming to be from a bank or financial institution.
In response to the increasing number of such scams, cybercrime units are working to develop new ways of detecting and preventing these fraudulent activities, as well as educating the public on how to protect themselves from falling prey to such tactics.
The incident highlights the need for heightened awareness around digital security, especially when it comes to automated phone calls that mimic legitimate services. As cybercriminals continue to evolve their methods, it becomes more crucial for individuals to stay informed and cautious in order to safeguard their personal and financial information.
