Pune: “Calling from the Bank,” Cybercriminals’ New Tactic to Trap Citizens; Exercise Caution in Transactions
Pune: "Calling from the Bank," Cybercriminals' New Tactic to Trap Citizens; Exercise Caution in Transactions
Pune’s Tree Lover and Activist Duped of ₹1.52 Lakh in Cyber Fraud.
Chandrakant Govind Warghade, known for his social work and environmental contributions, falls victim to cybercrime after being tricked by fraudsters impersonating bank officials.
Chandrakant Govind Warghade, the founding president of the Information Service Committee and a passionate advocate for tree conservation, lost ₹1.52 lakh to cybercriminals on December 10, 2024. The fraudsters posed as representatives of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and executed the scam in a mere two hours.
Warghade, a resident of Bakori (Haveli Taluka), had taken a gold mortgage loan from Maharashtra Gramin Bank on November 27 and transferred the funds to his PNB account through RTGS on December 7. Cybercriminals, leveraging this information, contacted him, falsely claiming to be from PNB.
Through a series of transactions in amounts of ₹5,000, ₹10,000, and ₹3,000, the scammers siphoned off ₹1.52 lakh from Warghade’s account.
Complaint Filed and Bank’s Response
Following the incident, Warghade lodged complaints with the Wagholi Police Station, the Cyber Crime Department, PNB Wagholi Branch, Reserve Bank of India, and PNB’s Delhi Main Branch.
However, PNB responded by emphasizing that account holders are responsible for ensuring the security of their accounts, urging customers to exercise caution during transactions.
Warghade’s Warning to the Public
Speaking out, Warghade appealed to fellow customers to remain vigilant and avoid responding to unsolicited calls or messages from unknown sources. The incident has sent shockwaves through the business community and bank customers, heightening concerns about cyber fraud risks.
The fraud targeting a well-known figure dedicated to social welfare underscores the growing threat posed by cybercriminals. It also highlights the need for enhanced security measures and greater awareness to protect individuals from such scams.
