A school teacher in Prayagraj was allegedly cheated of nearly ₹9 lakh after calling a customer care number found through an online search for assistance with a malfunctioning fan. Police have registered an FIR and begun investigating the fake customer support fraud.
The victim, Shokhi Gautam, a resident of Chirav village in Koraon and an assistant teacher at a school in Jasra-Gauhaniya, currently lives in rented accommodation in Gangotri Nagar, Naini. According to her complaint, she searched online for the customer care number of a fan company and called a number that appeared to belong to the manufacturer.
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Fake Service Request Used to Gain Trust
The person who answered the call allegedly introduced himself as an authorised customer service executive and assured the teacher that her complaint would be resolved. During the conversation, he obtained her WhatsApp number and later contacted her from another mobile number.
The caller asked her to fill out online forms, claiming they were required to register the service request. He then demanded a nominal service charge of ₹25.
The teacher first attempted to make the payment through a digital wallet, but when the transaction failed, she was allegedly asked to use another payment method. Believing the process to be genuine, she transferred the service charge and was told that a technician would visit her residence the next day.
Four Transactions Drained Bank Account
According to the FIR, the fraud came to light the following day. Between around 2:00 p.m. and 2:40 p.m. on May 22, four separate transactions were allegedly carried out from her Punjab National Bank account.
Using RTGS and IMPS transfer modes, cyber criminals allegedly withdrew a total of ₹9 lakh from the account. The victim discovered the unauthorised withdrawals shortly afterward and immediately contacted her bank.
She also lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 before approaching the cyber police station for formal action and recovery of the lost funds.
Police Trace Money Trail
Investigators have started examining transaction records, beneficiary accounts and digital communication linked to the case. Authorities are also trying to determine how the fraudsters obtained the information needed to execute the high-value transfers.
Police officials said efforts are underway to trace the money trail and identify those involved in the fraud. The case has again highlighted the risks of fake customer care numbers appearing online.
Consumers have been advised to use only official company websites or verified applications for customer support details and avoid making payments or sharing banking information with unverified callers.
