Cybercriminals Steal Over ₹25 Lakh Through Online Scam
In recent Hubli cybercrime incidents, scammers tricked victims into downloading malicious files, stealing large sums of money. Local police urge caution to prevent online fraud and safeguard personal banking details.
- Scammers stole ₹25.74 lakh from a local resident using a fake Union Bank file.
- Another victim lost ₹5.50 lakh through a KYC update scam on WhatsApp.
- Cybercrime police are investigating and urging caution against online fraud.
Hubli, Karnataka : In a shocking incident in Hubli, cybercriminals managed to steal ₹25.74 lakh from a local resident, Praveen Kumar, by tricking him into downloading a malicious file that appeared to be from Union Bank.
The scammers initially contacted Praveen via mobile, pretending to be bank staff, and instructed him to download an “APK file.” They told him to input sensitive details like his birth date, mobile number, and ATM PIN. Despite his suspicion, Praveen did not act on the warning.
However, by using the downloaded file, the criminals were able to access his account and transfer ₹25 lakh in multiple installments to their own accounts. Praveen later filed a complaint with the local cybercrime police.
Another Victim Lost ₹5.50 Lakh Through KYC Update Scam
In another scam, a local man, K. Pramod, lost ₹5.50 lakh after receiving an “APK file” link via WhatsApp under the guise of a KYC update. The criminal, pretending to be a bank representative, asked him to download the file. Once downloaded, the scammers drained ₹5.50 lakh from his bank account. Pramod too reported the incident to the cybercrime police.
Scam Also Targets Venkatesh in Dharwad
In a similar scam, Venkatesh from Dharwad downloaded three train tickets from the IRCTC app. When one ticket was missing, he contacted a help number found on Google, which advised him to fill out a form. After submitting the form, an amount was withdrawn from his account. Venkatesh has also filed a complaint with the cybercrime police.
These incidents highlight the increasing sophistication of cyber scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. Experts advise caution when dealing with unfamiliar online requests, especially those involving downloading files or entering sensitive personal information.
