After the man filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit, notices were immediately sent to relevant authorities to block the funds.
A man received a call from someone posing as an HDFC representative, offering a credit card limit increase and requesting personal details, including the man's card number. The caller instructed the man to install an APK file, which, once installed, compromised the man's mobile phone. Subsequently, unauthorized transactions totaling Rs 2,91,726 were debited from the man's HDFC credit card, even without his sharing any OTPs.
The man promptly reported the incident to the police on November 2, and the NCRP Team of the Cyber Crime Unit, Hyderabad, identified and removed the malware from the man's device. The team discovered that the debited transactions were made on Amazon in three separate purchases. Notices were immediately sent to relevant authorities to block the funds, and thanks to the swift action by the NCRP Team, the merchant was able to refund the full amount of Rs 2,91,726 to the man's credit card without requiring a court order.
The police advised the public not to install APK files sent via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms, as these files could be used by fraudsters to steal data by compromising devices. They also warned against responding to emails or message links that prompt users to update or verify KYC details. People should never share confidential information such as user IDs, passwords, debit card numbers, PINs, CVVs or OTPs, and immediate credential changes needed to be done if such information was accidentally shared, the police said.
There may also be a chance of recovering at least part of the lost funds if the fraud is reported immediately. Victims of cyber fraud can report incidents by calling the helpline number 1930 or through the national Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.