A Forest Department driver in Manavadar, Junagadh, was cheated out of INR Two Lakh Thirty-Eight Thousand in a sophisticated credit card scam. The racket involved a phishing call, a fake reward point offer, and a bogus app download. Investigators say the scam may serve as a warning to millions about new fraud tactics targeting personal finance.
Instant Gain, Sudden Loss
On February 13, the driver received a call from a woman posing as a bank executive, claiming that he had accumulated reward points and needed to download an app called “icici.apk” to redeem them. Trusting the caller, he followed the instructions. Almost immediately, fraudulent transactions totaling INR Two Lakh Sixty-Seven Thousand occurred—purchasing high-end mobile phones and items via quick delivery services.
When the driver sought an explanation, the caller reassured him that the deductions were temporary and would be refunded along with the reward points. Of course, that never happened. He eventually realized he had been duped and filed a complaint with the Junagadh Range Cyber Police, who registered the case under relevant sections of the Banking and Information Technology laws.
Staying One Step Ahead
This case underscores how fraudsters increasingly exploit promise of rewards, trust in banks, and urgency to act, all to trap their victims. To guard against such scams, leading advice includes:
- Never share your OTP, CVV, or PIN with anyone—not over calls, SMS, or email. No legitimate bank asks for these details.
- Always verify the caller’s identity by ending the call and contacting your bank through official channels—via their app or verified website.
- Use only trusted banking platforms, ideally downloaded from recognized app stores. Avoid links from messages or social media.
- Enable real-time transaction alerts via SMS and email, so you catch unauthorized activity instantly.
- Report fraud immediately—block your card, inform your bank, and file a police complaint. Early action can save significant loss.
Why This Matters
In rural and semi-urban areas, individuals may trust impersonated calls or unofficial apps, especially when framed as glamorous rewards. This case demonstrates how deception has evolved—and why awareness matters now more than ever.
