Online Credit Card Fraud: Retired BSNL Employee Loses Lakhs in Cyber Scam

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Retired BSNL Employee Loses ₹2.38 Lakh in Online Credit Card Scam

A 59-year-old retired employee of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has fallen victim to an online credit card scam, losing ₹2.38 lakh.

Scam Details

The victim had applied for a credit card online in November last year. Shortly after, he received a call from an unknown number, with the caller claiming to be a bank employee.

The scammer alleged that a technical issue had occurred during the credit card processing and requested the victim’s PAN card and pension-related documents to resolve the matter.

The victim, believing the caller to be genuine, shared the requested information. On December 5, the scammer sent a link to the victim, instructing him to open it to initiate a video call to verify his card eligibility.

Upon clicking the link, a video call was initiated, during which the scammer asked the victim to show another bank card for verification purposes. Meanwhile, the victim received multiple one-time password (OTP) messages on his mobile phone.

Two transactions were subsequently carried out from the victim’s credit card account, resulting in the loss of ₹2.38 lakh.

Investigation and Advice

Investigators have stated that cyber fraudsters often target elderly individuals and those with limited experience in online banking, typically building trust by posing as bank employees or technical support staff.

They then obtain sensitive information, which is used to commit fraud using OTPs or shared links.

Police have advised the public not to share bank account details, PAN card numbers, OTPs, or passwords with unknown callers. They have also warned against responding to part-time job offers, high-profit investment schemes, or unsolicited financial opportunities received through social media or phone calls.

Officials emphasized that banks never request OTPs or confidential information over the phone.

The investigation is ongoing, with police attempting to trace the mobile number used to contact the victim. Technical analysis is being conducted to identify the cyber fraud network involved in the crime.

Further action will be taken once the investigation is completed. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, and to verify the authenticity of the caller before sharing sensitive information.