KYC Update Fraud: Chennai Doctor Loses Rs 2.4 lakhs To Hacker

CHENNAI: A dermatologist of Anna Nagar, Chennai was cheated by a cybercriminal by sending a link of QPay app to update her KYC details and keep her SIM card activated. As soon she confirmed her details on the app she the hackers stole Rs 2.4 lakhs from her bank account.

Dr Chandani Prabhakar received a call to update her KYC through the QPay app. She thought the call was from the customer care of her mobile phone operator. On the instruction of the caller, Prabhakar downloaded the QPay application and transferred Rs 10 for confirmation of her identity and resumption of SIM card services. As soon the money was transferred and receipt was issued, she received multiple messages of OTP’s for transferring Rs 1 lakh, Rs 90,000 and Rs 50,000.

“I tried to end the call to stop the transaction but it didn’t work. The unknown caller seemed to be online and hacked my phone since he accessed OTPs to steal Rs 2.4 lakhs. I was not able to make any calls after that and had to file a complaint with the State Bank of India from landline phone” said Prabhakar.

A senior police official said mobile users should not share their KYC details or any OTP with anyone on the phone, and they should not call back on these numbers or click on any links mentioned in the SMS. If you are told to download a ‘customer care’ app over the phone, do not do so. Scammers may use such apps to search for personal information, online banking information, and other information.

She then complained to Anna Nagar police station. Dr Prabhakar said she never shared her confidential details like debit card credentials, CVV, or OTP with the unknown caller.

“It is clear that as soon as I transferred money via QPay, the suspect accessed into my mobile phone while I was still updating him about payment details,” said Dr Prabhakar.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently launched helpline Number 155260, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in eight states, including Tamil Nadu, for reporting cybercrime. In all other states, the number is operational between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The personnel at the helpline desk, according to police, are equipped to stop payments to suspect accounts if the crime is reported within 24 hours.

According to sources, victims can access the “Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System” by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in and filing complaints online for immediate action.