Lucknow | Cyber fraud cases continue to rise in the state capital, with two fresh incidents reported from different police station areas where victims lost lakhs of rupees through online deception. In both cases, fraudsters gained trust by posing as acquaintances, persuaded the victims to download mobile applications, and subsequently siphoned off money from their bank accounts. Shockingly, after completing the transactions, the accused allegedly made video calls and instructed the victims to delete call logs and other mobile data to erase evidence.
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Trap Laid Under the Guise of Familiarity
Ram Kumar Prajapati, a resident of the Para locality, stated that he received a phone call from a man claiming to be someone known to him. During the conversation, the caller sought technical assistance and convinced him to download certain mobile applications.
Soon after, multiple transactions were initiated from his accounts. According to the complaint, the accused transferred ₹29,999 three times and ₹99,999 once through his credit card. Additionally, ₹1,99,997.54 was withdrawn via UPI transactions. In total, over ₹1.89 lakh was siphoned off from his accounts through different digital channels.
Immediately after the transactions, the fraudster reportedly made a video call and guided the victim to delete call history and other mobile data. The phone was then switched off. The fraud came to light only when the victim received transaction alerts from his bank.
₹2.13 Lakh Withdrawn from Woman’s Account
In a separate incident, ₹2,13,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from the bank account of Kalpana Bhattacharya. The victim claimed she neither shared any OTP nor clicked on any suspicious link. Despite this, the amount was debited from her account through digital transactions.
After noticing the unauthorized withdrawals, she immediately informed her bank and lodged an FIR at the concerned police station. Preliminary investigation suggests that the transactions were executed through digital means, and technical analysis is underway to trace the trail.
Probe Underway
Cases have been registered in both incidents, and transaction details are being scrutinized. Authorities are examining linked bank accounts, IP addresses, and mobile numbers involved in the fraud. Officials said that cyber criminals often route stolen funds through mule accounts and fake KYC credentials, transferring money rapidly across multiple accounts to make tracking difficult.
How to Stay Safe from Cyber Fraud
- Experts advise citizens to remain vigilant and follow these precautions:
- Do not download applications at the request of unknown callers.
- Avoid screen-sharing or remote access applications unless absolutely necessary and verified.
- Never share OTPs, CVV numbers, or card details with anyone.
- In case of suspicious transactions, immediately report the matter on the 1930 cyber helpline.
With digital transactions becoming increasingly common, cyber criminals are adopting more sophisticated tactics. Vigilance and timely reporting remain the most effective safeguards against financial loss.
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.
