Bengaluru techie gifted mobile with hidden app; loses Rs 2.8 crore

A tech professional from Bengaluru lost Rs 2.8 crore in a new cyber scam. The scam involved fraudsters gaining access to the victim’s banking details. The fraudsters used a fake phone scheme to carry out their plan.

It started when the victim received a WhatsApp call. The caller pretended to be a representative from Citibank. The caller said that the victim’s credit card approval was pending. The caller advised the victim to buy a new SIM card. A few days later, the victim received a parcel. The parcel was said to be from City Union Bank. It contained a mobile phone.

The victim did not suspect anything wrong. They inserted the new SIM card into the phone. Soon after, the victim discovered that the phone had malicious apps. These apps could intercept OTPs and steal banking details. Once the SIM card was activated, the fraudsters stole Rs 2.8 crore. The funds included money from the victim’s fixed deposits. The fraudsters transferred the money from the victim’s HDFC Bank accounts.

This scam has raised concerns. Criminals are now using phones with pre-installed malicious apps. The apps allow them to steal OTPs and gain control of bank accounts. The victim filed a complaint with the Whitefield Police Station. The police have started an investigation under the IT Act.

According to the complaint, the scam began on November 27, 2024. The victim received the WhatsApp call on that day. The phone parcel arrived on December 1, 2024. It contained a mobile phone of the MI 13 C make. After inserting the SIM card, the victim did not receive any updates on the credit card. On December 5, 2024, the victim went to the bank to inquire. It was then that the victim learned that Rs 2.8 crore had been stolen.

ALSO READ: Sivarapalli OTT: When and where to watch the Telugu remake of Panchayat