Bengaluru: What began as the theft of a mobile phone turned into a costly financial fraud for a Bengaluru woman, who lost ₹67,749 from her bank accounts after the thief allegedly impersonated her to obtain sensitive banking information.
The incident occurred on July 16 when the woman, identified as Krishna Veni (name changed), was travelling from Katpadi to Mysuru on Train No. 12577 Bhagmati Express in a sleeper class coach.
Phone stolen amid rush at KSR Bengaluru
According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the train had reached KSR Bengaluru at around 4.45 pm, where a large number of passengers boarded, resulting in heavy crowding in the S1 coach.
Police said Krishna Veni had placed her Oppo smartphone, valued at around ₹28,000, on the table beside her seat while taking medicine from her bag. Moments later, she realised the phone had disappeared. Despite searching the coach, she was unable to locate the device.
Thief tricks victim’s son
Later that day, the thief allegedly used the stolen phone to send a message to Krishna Veni’s son, pretending to be her. Claiming that she had forgotten her banking credentials, the fraudster asked him to share the account details and PIN.
Unaware of the scam, her son sent the requested information.
Using the details, the accused allegedly transferred ₹67,749 through UPI from two bank accounts linked to the victim’s mobile number.
Police register case
Krishna Veni, a resident of KR Puram, approached the Railway Police Station at KSR Bengaluru and lodged a complaint after discovering the fraud.
The GRP has registered a case under Section 305(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(C) of the Information Technology Act. Police have launched an investigation to identify the accused and trace the stolen money.
The incident serves as a reminder for the public to avoid sharing sensitive banking information over messages or phone calls, even if the request appears to come from a trusted family member.