Indore Reports Two Cyber Fraud Cases: Credit Card Fraud and Fake Instagram Shopping Scam

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Two cyber fraud cases have been reported in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, underscoring vulnerabilities in digital payment systems and social media transactions.

Unauthorized Credit Card Transactions Result in Significant Financial Loss

A resident of Sai Villa Apartment in Dhanvantari Nagar, Anand Banvadikar, reported that two ICICI Bank credit cards under his name were used for unapproved online purchases. On July 8, he received multiple transaction alerts that revealed two charges of ₹51,000 each and a third transaction of ₹10,000. The total loss amounted to ₹1.12 lakh. Banvadikar immediately contacted his bank and blocked the affected cards to mitigate further damage.

Social Media Shopping Scheme Exploits Verification Process

In a separate incident, a college student named Mona Nagar claimed she was defrauded after purchasing a ₹999 dress from an Instagram account titled “Suman Woman.” Following the order, she received a call from an individual posing as a customer service representative. The caller requested a ₹500 payment for a “verification process,” which Nagar complied with. Subsequently, she was coerced into making additional online transactions, resulting in a ₹40,000 unauthorized withdrawal. The scam relied on a fabricated verification step, a tactic commonly used by fraudulent social media sellers to extract further payments.

Distinct Fraud Patterns Emerge in Digital Economy

Investigations into both cases are focusing on mobile numbers, bank records, digital payment trails, and IP addresses to determine if the incidents are part of a broader cybercrime network. The two cases highlight contrasting fraud methodologies: one exploiting card security gaps without direct victim interaction, and the other leveraging social engineering through fake verification procedures.

Experts Warn of Rising Cybercrime Tactics

A cybercrime specialist emphasized that fraudsters are increasingly targeting individuals through credit card theft and deceptive social media schemes. Tactics such as fake verification calls, enticing online offers, and urgent payment demands remain prevalent. The specialist advised users to transact only on verified platforms, avoid sharing OTPs or making payments upon unsolicited requests, and report suspicious activity to banks and the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 immediately. Authorities continue to investigate the cases, with a focus on tracing digital footprints and identifying potential links to organized cybercrime operations.