Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 25: Two cybercrime cases involving a fake traffic e-penalty link and a stolen mobile phone have been reported in coastal Karnataka, with victims collectively losing Rs 1,91,446.
In the first case, a 43-year-old man from Mangaluru allegedly lost Rs 1,71,599 from his bank accounts after downloading a malicious application through a fake traffic e-penalty link. A complaint has been registered at the CEN crime police station.
According to the complaint, the victim received a message at 9.06 am on October 18 asking him to check his car’s traffic record. He ignored it. The next day, at 7.59 am, he received another message from the same number regarding a traffic e-penalty. After clicking the link, an application named ‘Mparivahan’ was downloaded onto his phone.
On October 20, between 6 pm and 6.30 pm, he received around 100 text messages from different numbers. Suspecting something was wrong, he checked his bank accounts and discovered that Rs 1,71,599 had been transferred in multiple transactions to an unknown person’s account. He alleged that unidentified persons had used a malicious APK file disguised as a traffic e-penalty link to defraud him.
In the second case, a 25-year-old passenger travelling from Mangaluru to Madgaon allegedly lost his mobile phone while the train was halted at Byndoor railway station around 2 am. The phone was reportedly stolen from the S3 coach of train No. 09423 (MAJN–ADI), where the passenger, a Goa resident, was travelling on berth No. 70.
The stolen phone was valued at approximately Rs 17,000. The complainant further alleged that Rs 19,847 was transferred through UPI using the phone.
Byndoor police have registered a case under Section 305(c) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.
How to stay safe?
Vigilance is the key to avoiding such scams. If you receive such calls, never fall for the trap. Remember, police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money.
Most importantly, the term “digital arrest” is fabricated by scammers and does not exist in Indian law. If someone threatens you with it, it is undoubtedly a scam.
Additionally, never share bank details, OTPs, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages, regardless of the caller’s claims. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities and your bank immediately. Quick action can help prevent further losses.