Cyber criminals have struck again, this time duping a local teacher of ₹8.49 lakh through a fake ₹300 traffic challan link. The incident highlights the growing trend of phishing scams where small online payments are used as bait to access victims’ bank accounts.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, Shyamji Dwivedi, a resident of Awas Vikas Colony and a teacher by profession, was returning from Govind Nagar on September 1 when he noticed a broken number plate on his bike. Shortly after, he received a message claiming an online traffic challan of ₹300.
Trusting the message, Dwivedi clicked on the link and paid the amount. However, within minutes, his bank account was compromised. Police confirmed that 18 separate withdrawals were made, amounting to a total loss of ₹8.49 lakh.
Realizing the fraud, Dwivedi immediately filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell and Kalyanpur police station. Investigations are now underway.
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Part of a Bigger Pattern
Cyber experts warn that this is not an isolated case but part of a wider digital fraud network. Fraudsters often use small payments or government-related schemes to build trust before emptying entire bank accounts.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh explained,
“Scammers are now exploiting government schemes and small digital payments to lure victims. People think they are paying something as minor as ₹300, but the same process gives criminals access to their full bank details.”
Need for Stronger Security and Awareness
Singh further stressed that until digital literacy improves at the grassroots level and banks strengthen their security systems, such frauds will continue to rise.
Officials have urged the public to verify all payment links, especially those related to government services, and to use only official websites or apps for transactions.