In a prompt response to a rising wave of cybercrime, the Oshiwara cyber cell successfully recovered ₹2.5 lakh that was fraudulently withdrawn from a senior citizen’s credit card. The entire amount was restored within the crucial “golden hour” after the victim reported the fraud.
The victim, identified as 71-year-old Ashok Dingarani, was targeted through a fake RTO e-challan message sent on WhatsApp. The message falsely claimed that a traffic violation penalty of around ₹2,000 was pending. Believing the message to be genuine, the victim clicked the payment link embedded in the message.
After opening the link, the victim was asked to enter vehicle details, credit card information and other personal data. Once the details were submitted, cyber fraudsters made unauthorised purchases worth approximately ₹2.5 lakh using the victim’s credit card without his consent.
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Swift Complaint Triggers Rapid Investigation
The fraud came to light when the victim noticed suspicious transactions and immediately lodged a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930. Following the complaint, the cyber cell initiated rapid technical monitoring and contacted the concerned bank and merchant outlet involved in the transaction.
Investigators traced the fraudulent purchase to a retail outlet located in the Chembur area of Mumbai. Banking network coordination helped authorities track the money trail. Acting quickly, officials instructed the bank’s nodal team and the merchant establishment to freeze the transaction.
Golden Hour Recovery Through Teamwork
Through continuous follow-up between the cyber cell, bank officials and the merchant’s compliance team, the entire fraudulent amount was successfully blocked and credited back to the victim’s credit card account.
Officials emphasised the importance of the “golden hour” in cyber fraud cases. If victims report incidents immediately to helplines, banks and law enforcement agencies, the chances of recovering stolen money increase significantly. The seamless coordination between technical teams and financial institutions helped secure the victim’s entire amount.
Warnings Against Evolving Cyber Scams
Cybercrime officials warned that fraudsters are increasingly using WhatsApp and SMS-based scam links to trap unsuspecting users. Such messages often claim pending vehicle challans, KYC verification requirements or urgent payment updates. Once the victim clicks on the link, malware installation or credential theft can occur, allowing criminals to access banking data.
Police have advised citizens not to share personal or financial information on unknown links, APK files or suspicious payment portals. Senior citizens are considered particularly vulnerable targets because scammers often exploit trust and lack of technical awareness.
Cybercrime investigators said digital payment systems, while convenient, are also being misused by fraud networks to rapidly move stolen funds across multiple accounts. Immediate reporting plays a crucial role in preventing financial loss. In this case, the victim’s quick response allowed authorities to activate tracking and freezing mechanisms without delay.
Cybersecurity experts warned that fraudsters are constantly evolving their techniques. People have been urged to remain cautious while responding to unknown calls, suspicious messages or unverified payment requests.
The police are continuing further investigation into the matter to identify the individuals behind the fraud network. Authorities reiterated that public awareness and timely reporting remain the most effective tools in combating cybercrime.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
