A Bengaluru-based lecturer has lost nearly ₹3 lakh in a cyber fraud after being duped by individuals posing as representatives of Punjab National Bank offering a “lifetime free” credit card.
Fraudsters posed as bank officials
According to police, the victim received a call from fraudsters claiming to be bank staff. They offered an attractive credit card deal with no annual charges and convinced him to proceed with the application.
During the interaction, the scammers allegedly obtained sensitive banking details and one-time passwords (OTPs), enabling them to access and siphon funds from his account.
Money siphoned in multiple transactions
Officials said the accused carried out a series of unauthorised transactions, withdrawing a total of around ₹3 lakh. The victim realised the fraud only after noticing unexpected debits and immediately approached the police.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to trace the culprits.
Rising cyber fraud cases
The incident highlights the growing number of cyber fraud cases involving fake offers and impersonation of bank officials. Experts warn that fraudsters often exploit urgency and attractive deals to trick victims into sharing confidential information.
Safety tips for citizens
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive details such as OTPs, CVV numbers, or passwords over phone calls. Banks generally do not ask for such information.
Citizens are also advised to verify offers directly through official channels before taking action.
Call for awareness
Police have emphasised the importance of digital awareness and prompt reporting of suspicious activity to prevent financial loss and aid investigations