Indore. A woman trying to book a doctor’s appointment at a hospital in Indore allegedly lost around ₹1.20 lakh after contacting a fake phone number found through a Google search. The caller allegedly posed as a hospital appointment executive and sent her a link, claiming that a ₹5 payment was required to confirm the appointment. After she entered her debit card details through the link and completed the small payment, multiple unauthorised transactions were reported from her bank account within about 30 minutes.
The incident took place on August 20 in the Pardeshipura police station area. According to police, the woman was attempting to schedule an appointment at Lilavati Hospital and searched online for its contact number. She called a number displayed in the search results and spoke to a person who claimed to assist with doctor appointments. After collecting her details, the caller allegedly sent her a payment link.
Fraudster Used ₹5 Payment as a Trap
Police said the caller told the woman that she needed to pay only ₹5 to confirm the appointment. Believing the claim, she opened the link and entered her debit card details before completing the payment.
The small payment, however, was followed by a series of unauthorised transactions. Around 30 minutes later, the woman began receiving messages indicating that money was being deducted from her bank account. Police said approximately ₹1.20 lakh was withdrawn through six transactions within a short period.
The woman immediately informed her family, following which they contacted the bank and blocked her debit card and other linked banking facilities. They also attempted to call the number used by the alleged fraudster, but the call reportedly went unanswered.
Cybercrime Complaint Leads to FIR
After discovering the fraud, the family approached the cybercrime helpline and reported the incident. Pardeshipura police subsequently registered an FIR and began investigating the case.
Investigators are examining the mobile number used to contact the woman and the link through which her debit card information was allegedly obtained. Police are also tracing the financial trail to identify the accounts or other payment channels that may have received the stolen money.
The investigation will also focus on whether the same mobile number or payment link was previously used to target other victims.
Expert Warns Against Trusting Search-Result Numbers
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fake helpline numbers and fraudulent contact details are increasingly being used by cybercriminals to establish credibility with potential victims. According to him, people should not automatically assume that a phone number displayed in an online search is an organisation’s genuine contact number.
He advised people to independently verify hospital contact details through the institution’s official website or another trusted source before making appointments or payments. Any link received for appointment confirmation, payment or verification should also be checked carefully before being opened or used.
Do Not Share Banking Credentials
Prof. Singh also cautioned people against sharing debit or credit card numbers, CVV details, PINs, OTPs or internet banking credentials with unknown persons. He said even a small payment request can be used as a pretext to obtain sensitive financial information.
The incident highlights the growing risk of fake contact details appearing in online searches, particularly when people are looking for hospitals and other essential services. Police are now examining the digital evidence and banking transactions to establish how the alleged fraud was executed and identify those responsible.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
