Credit Card Activation Scam: How Fake Links and Impersonation Lead to Financial Loss
In a recent crackdown, the Delhi Police arrested a 34-year-old man, Deepak Kumar, for orchestrating a credit card activation scam. Kumar allegedly defrauded individuals by posing as a bank official and using fake links to steal credit card information.
How the Scam Operated: The scam began when Kumar, masquerading as a bank representative, reached out to victims. He sent them a phishing link, claiming it was necessary for activating their new credit card. Unsuspecting victims entered their credit card details on this fraudulent link, unknowingly providing Kumar with sensitive information.
Financial Impact: With the stolen information, Kumar conducted unauthorized transactions, resulting in significant financial losses for his victims. One case saw a loss exceeding Rs 99,000. The police’s investigation led to the recovery of Rs 14,500 through an ATM transaction.
Investigation and Arrest: A police complaint initiated an investigation, during which the authorities tracked the stolen funds to a bank account. Utilizing CCTV footage, Kumar was identified and apprehended. The police seized five mobile phones, 11 debit cards, four Aadhaar cards, two voter cards, Rs 60,000 in cash, and a car from him. Kumar had a history of cyber fraud, with previous cases in 2017 and 2021.
Similar Incident in Mumbai: In a parallel case, a woman in Mumbai fell victim to a similar scam. An imposter posing as a bank employee offered her a new credit card along with a free Android phone. After providing personal details and activating the card, she discovered unauthorized transactions amounting to Rs 7 lakh.
Understanding Phishing Scams: This type of scam, known as phishing, involves deceiving individuals into revealing sensitive information through fake communications. Scammers create a sense of urgency or offer enticing deals to trick victims into providing personal details. Once these details are entered on a fraudulent website or link, scammers gain access to victims’ accounts and make unauthorized transactions.
Protect Yourself: To avoid falling victim to such scams, be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls requesting personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication by contacting the organization directly through official channels.
For further protection, use secure methods for sharing sensitive information and regularly monitor your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.