Summary:
- The scam involved tricking the victim into divulging personal details.
- The scammers substituted the legitimate contact number on the ticket booking site with their own.
- This manipulation led the victim to share her personal details, providing unauthorized access to her bank account.
In a recent online scam incident in Mumbai, a senior citizen attempting to book air tickets to Dubai fell victim to a fraudulent scheme, resulting in a loss of Rs 4.4 lakh. The victim was trying to book tickets online through a popular site; however, the scammers cunningly replaced the legitimate contact number of the ticket booking platform with their own, deceiving unsuspecting individuals seeking air travel reservations.
As per the case reported, Gita Shenoy, a 64-year-old resident from Juhu, became a victim of the scam while exploring ticket options on the Skyscanner website. When she dialed the phone number displayed on the site, the individual posing as a Skyscanner representative advised her to download the Any Desk app on her mobile phone.
Shenoy, under the impression that it was a legitimate procedure, proceeded to download the app and shared information with the caller, who was, in fact, a smooth-talking scammer. This remote-access app served as the means, granting the fraudster control over her device. Posing as assistance in the booking process, the scammer directed the victim to disclose a received code, unlocking unauthorized access to her phone. Leveraging this point of entry, the fraudster swiftly drained Rs 4.4 lakh from her bank account.
Upon noticing unauthorized transactions amounting to Rs 4.4 lakh missing from her bank account, the victim promptly reported the incident to the Juhu police. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified perpetrators.
They highlighted a common tactic utilized by cybercriminals in such scams: exploiting Google’s online mobile number change option. This case, in particular, has heightened concerns about potential security vulnerabilities within the system that could be manipulated to achieve unauthorized access to accounts.
Safety Measures for Protection
Essential Guidelines for Online Safety:
- Exercise caution with unfamiliar contacts: Whether through emails, calls, or social media messages, stay alert for potential scams. Be especially cautious if personal information or financial transactions are requested.
- Verify contact details directly: Confirm the legitimacy of online contacts by checking official websites or using verified phone numbers. Avoid relying solely on information provided in emails or messages, as it may be deceptive.
- Refrain from downloading remote-access apps: Legitimate companies won’t ask you to download such applications to resolve issues. If prompted to do so, consider it a scam. Never provide remote access to your computer or mobile device.
- Guard sensitive information: Keep personal details, such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and passwords, confidential. Exercise discretion, even if an individual appears trustworthy.
- Report any suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, promptly report it to authorities and the relevant platform. This proactive step helps protect others from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
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