In a major cyber fraud case, criminals in Lucknow targeted a businessman, a doctor, and an insurance policyholder, stealing a total of ₹53 lakh. The perpetrators used WhatsApp links and phone calls to deceive victims and empty their bank accounts.
Businessman Loses ₹52 Lakh Over 41 Days
Businessman Mohammad Salim, a resident of Aishbagh in Yamuna Vihar, revealed that he received a WhatsApp link on January 13. After downloading it, a total of ₹52.31 lakh was siphoned from his account over 41 days. The fraud came to light when he visited the bank in March to update his passbook.
Doctor Appointment Scam Nets ₹41K
In another case, Raj Kapoor from Ghusouli village, Malihabad, was defrauded under the pretext of booking an online doctor appointment. On a Sunday afternoon, he received a call from someone claiming to be the doctor’s representative. By asking him to transfer ₹5 via Google Pay QR, the caller gained access to his account details and withdrew ₹41,000.
Similarly, Abhay Prakash from Chowk Chaupatiya was duped into renewing his insurance policy. The caller posed as an agent from Max Insurance Company. Trusting him, Abhay shared his account details, and the fraudsters withdrew ₹51,000.
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Small Transaction Account Takeover Tactic
Police officials said this is a new method of cyber fraud where criminals extract sensitive account information through small transactions before withdrawing large sums. Experts pointed out that fraudsters commonly exploit mobile links, QR codes, and phone calls to trap victims.
The perpetrators gained control of victims’ accounts using banking apps, mobile numbers, and OTPs. This case involved sophisticated banking fraud techniques. Police emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly and continuously monitoring account activity.
Cyber Wing Investigation Launched
Following the incident, the cyber wing launched an investigation. Authorities said identifying the criminals’ network and connections is a top priority. Lucknow police urged the public to report any suspicious online banking activity, transactions, or links immediately.
Cybersecurity experts warned that extreme caution is needed in digital transactions. Clicking unknown links, scanning QR codes, or sharing OTPs can be dangerous. They advised using only official platforms for banking apps and financial services.
Police noted that such crimes not only cause financial loss to citizens but also strengthen the fraudsters’ networks. Continuous monitoring and the use of technology are essential to identify and apprehend them.
Authorities assured strict vigilance on future cyber fraud cases and promised effective action against the criminals. They said both technology and fieldwork are being used to track these gangs and dismantle their networks.
Experts highlighted that the rise in cybercrime underlines the need for caution in digital transactions. Trusting unknown calls, links, or messages can be costly. The incident clearly shows that following security protocols in online banking and financial transactions is crucial in today’s digital age.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
