Imagine receiving a call from someone offering a new service that sounds too good to be true, only to discover later that it was all part of a scam. This is exactly what happened to Rajendra Singh, a 69-year-old retired general manager from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) in Ludhiana, who fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing a staggering Rs 14.9 lakh.
Rajendra, a resident of Urban Estate Phase-II in Dugri, was contacted on January 7 by a man claiming to be “Kuldeep Srivastava” from ONGC’s Dehradun office. The caller offered a new “smart health card” for retired employees and requested Rajendra to fill out an online form and pay a nominal token fee of just Rs 10.
Trusting the caller, Rajendra followed the instructions and shared his bank details, along with making the small payment from a joint account with his wife. However, sensing something was amiss, he rushed to his bank to secure his account by creating a fixed deposit. Unfortunately, he received a shocking message the next morning: Rs 14.93 lakh had been withdrawn from his account.
The bank confirmed that the scammers had successfully transferred the entire amount. Thankfully, an additional attempt to siphon off Rs 4.95 lakh was blocked, preventing further loss.
How to Avoid Such Scams
To protect yourself from similar scams, consider the following tips:
- Always verify the identity of callers claiming to represent organizations.
- Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those requiring payments or personal details.
- Report suspicious calls to authorities immediately.
In today’s digital age, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Platforms like Looffers.com can help you stay informed and connected with trusted services, ensuring you have access to genuine offers and promotions. Remember, a little caution can go a long way in safeguarding your hard-earned money!
