Shopkeeper’s Account: Money Missing Without OTP – Suspicious Call Alert!
A 60-year-old shopkeeper in Mira Road reported the unauthorized withdrawal of ₹2.22 lakh from his bank account without having shared an OTP, engaged in any UPI transaction, or received a suspicious phone call.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred between August 7 and August 9, with the victim becoming aware of the loss after his son reviewed SMS notifications on his mobile device.
Details of the Unauthorized Withdrawal
The victim, who operates a stationery shop in the Shanti Nagar area, stated to authorities that he did not conduct any UPI transactions during the period in question. He also confirmed he had not answered calls from unknown numbers, shared his OTP or password, or altered his banking details.
The victim, who operates a stationery shop in the Shanti Nagar area, stated to authorities that he did not conduct any UPI transactions during the period in question. He also confirmed he had not answered calls from unknown numbers, shared his OTP or password, or altered his banking details.
Investigation and Suspicions
The absence of these typical fraud indicators has prompted investigators to explore alternative methods of account compromise. Police suspect that the perpetrator may have gained control of the victim’s mobile phone through a malicious application or link.
Authorities are examining whether banking or UPI-related data stored on the device was accessed remotely, enabling the unauthorized transactions. The cyber cell is currently analyzing UPI IDs associated with the withdrawals and tracing the financial flow linked to the stolen funds.
Legal Actions and Cyber Cell Involvement
A cheating case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered following the report. Investigators are also reviewing the possibility of a cyber fraud technique that allows funds to be drained without victims knowingly providing an OTP or engaging with fraudulent calls.
Authorities have reiterated guidelines for securing financial accounts, including monitoring transaction alerts and avoiding interactions with unsolicited communications.
Ongoing Investigation and Recommendations
The case has prompted law enforcement to investigate emerging methods of digital theft, emphasizing the need for victims to report incidents promptly through designated channels. The investigation remains ongoing, with police focusing on digital footprints and financial trails to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen amount.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the evolving nature of cyber fraud and the importance of vigilance in securing digital financial assets. Authorities continue to work on tracing the stolen funds and preventing similar cases in the future.
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