Patna – In an online financial crime, authorities in Patna have apprehended key members of a cyber fraud syndicate. This group is alleged to have orchestrated a large-scale scam, primarily targeting residents of South India, by exploiting the trusted name of SBI YONO, a popular digital banking application.
The Modus Operandi: Deception Through Digital Channels
The gang’s method of operation was insidious. They crafted convincing fake SBI YONO links and disseminated them through Facebook Messenger. Once a victim clicked on the fraudulent link, they were prompted to enter their mobile number. This initial step served as a gateway for the fraudsters to initiate further contact. Following the online interaction, the criminals would directly call the victims, impersonating legitimate bank officials. During these calls, they would artfully solicit One-Time Passwords (OTPs), which were then used to unauthorizedly transfer funds from the victims’ accounts.
Key Arrests and Recoveries
Police action led to the arrest of two primary suspects: Abhinav Kumar, hailing from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Rahul Kumar, from Jhajha, Bihar. Both individuals are believed to have played crucial roles in the elaborate scheme. During the arrests, law enforcement officials confiscated a substantial amount of evidence, including 19 mobile phones, 15 SIM cards, a collection of ATM cards, and a quantity of cash, all believed to be proceeds or instruments of the fraudulent activities.
Scale of the Scam Unfolding
While current investigations have confirmed data for 15 victims, authorities suspect the actual number of those defrauded could be significantly higher. The ongoing analysis of seized digital devices and financial records is expected to uncover the full extent of the scam and potentially identify more victims. The multi-crore rupee scale of the fraud underscores the sophistication and reach of the operation.
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A Coordinated Effort Against Cybercrime
These arrests are a direct result of a dedicated and ongoing special campaign by the police force aimed at combating cybercrime. The successful operation relied heavily on advanced technical analysis and meticulous location tracking, demonstrating the growing capabilities of law enforcement in tackling digitally-driven criminal enterprises. The authorities continue to urge the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited links and calls, especially those requesting personal banking details or OTPs.