Mangaluru: A 23-year-old former ITI student has lodged a complaint with the Mangaluru City Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police, alleging that his bank account was fraudulently used in a cybercrime after he handed over his banking documents to an acquaintance on the pretext of facilitating an international money transfer.
According to the complaint, the youth was approached by an acquaintance who claimed assistance was needed to receive funds from abroad. Believing the request to be genuine, he allegedly shared his bank account details along with KYC documents, ATM card and other banking-related materials.
Account allegedly used for cyber fraud
The complainant later learnt that his bank account had allegedly been used in connection with cyber fraud transactions. Realising he may have become an unwitting victim of a larger online scam, he approached the police seeking legal action.
Based on his complaint, the CEN Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine how the account was used and identify those responsible for the alleged fraud. Authorities are also probing whether the account formed part of a wider network of so-called “mule accounts” used to channel money obtained through cybercrimes.
Police urge public to safeguard banking details
Cybercrime investigators have repeatedly advised the public not to share bank account credentials, debit cards, cheque books, PINs or KYC documents with anyone, even acquaintances, as such information can be misused for illegal financial transactions. Cases involving “mule accounts” have become increasingly common, with fraudsters exploiting unsuspecting individuals to move money obtained through online scams.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious requests involving their banking information.