Pune Woman Loses Rs 11 lakh After Using This App, Banks Warn About

The 26-year-old Pune woman has recently become a victim of the prevailing ‘drugs-in-parcel scam’. As a result, it has caused a loss of Rs 11 lakh.

How Did It Happen?

This 26-year-old bank manager received a call from fake executive, who worked at a courier company.

The caller told the woman, that a parcel containing illegal drugs is being sent to her from Mumbai to Iran.

Later, the scammer also informed, that this parcel contains debit cards, expired passports and toys containing 500 grams of drugs.

But somehow, the scammer convinced the woman to video call a “police officer” on a social networking platform using a fake profile picture and name.

In the view of ensuring ‘privacy, he also forced the woman, to lock herself in the room.

But in a sudden twist, the scammers gain access to victim’s phone via some apps. Thus, manipulating woman’s bank app and steal 11.6 lakh from her account.

After realizing, that she has been scammed, she came to Chaturshrungi police station for lodging FIR.

What is the app that banks frequently warn about?

Recently, banks have recently issued a warning against remote desktop app called AnyDesk. Which allegedly fraudsters utilize to loot people.

Many notable banks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank have issued several advisories against fraudsters, utilizing AnyDesk app to rob people using UPI.

Another App Like TeamViewer QuickSupport are also being utilized for scamming innocent people.

But unfortunately, familiarity regarding Anydesk is less, as a result, scammer continue to take advantage of this loophole and extort money.

Usually these apps often ask for 9-digit remote desk code, which allows the scammer to gain access to view and potentially capture recordings of victim’s phone’s screen.

Once the control is granted, they gain the ability to observe all your actions, such as when you enter your banking or UPI app login details. These harmful apps also operate unnoticed in the background, even when your phone is locked, enabling them to steal your login credentials.

How To Safeguard Yourself From The Fraud

In order to safguard yourself from this fraud, follow these steps:-

1. Don’t interact with callers, who acts as representatives of courier companies or law enforcement agencies.
2. Check the given information with authorities or simply contact official courier companies for verification.
3. If suspicious, immediately flag the calls, emails, or messages to authorities.