Cyber Fraud Cases Highlight the Risks of KYC Scams and Fake Online Ads

Two women in Mumbai, including a 61-year-old homemaker, lost a combined Rs 4.7 lakh to cyber fraudsters. These cases underline the growing sophistication of online scams, including KYC updates and fraudulent advertisements.

Case 1: KYC Fraud

  • A 48-year-old RTO clerk received a call claiming to be from her bank’s customer care.
  • The caller shared her account details to gain her trust, then sent a fraudulent KYC update link.
  • She unknowingly shared her screen, allowing the fraudster to access her credentials and siphon Rs 4.35 lakh.

Case 2: Fake Advertisement Scam

  • A 61-year-old homemaker fell for an online ad promoting organic milk for Rs 499.
  • After entering an OTP to make the payment, Rs 30,400 was deducted from her account.
  • The given contact numbers were later found to be switched off.

Modus Operandi:

  • Scammers use fake customer care calls and fraudulent websites to deceive victims.
  • Sharing sensitive information like OTPs and clicking on unknown links led to financial losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fraudsters often impersonate trusted entities to manipulate victims.
  • Clicking on unverified links and providing sensitive data can result in financial losses.
  • Cyber fraud is evolving, requiring increased vigilance from users.

These incidents highlight the critical need for awareness and caution in the digital age. Always verify the authenticity of calls and links, avoid sharing OTPs, and refrain from clicking on suspicious ads. Net Protector Cyber Security advises users to stay informed about online threats and adopt robust security measures to safeguard their digital assets. Stay alert, stay safe!