Pimpri Chinchwad: Cybercriminals in Pimpri-Chinchwad are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to target unsuspecting citizens and drain their bank accounts. They hack trusted acquaintances’ profiles and then send messages asking recipients to return a “mistakenly sent” six-digit OTP. These messages appear legitimate, leading many to unwittingly share the OTPs, which are then used to access their bank accounts and steal funds.
According to Senior Police Inspector Ravikiran Nale from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police Station, the city has seen a surge in such frauds, with 4-5 complaints being reported daily. Victims have reported losses ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Nale stressed the importance of digital security awareness, advising citizens never to share OTPs or sensitive financial information over social media. He also encouraged people to immediately verify any suspicious messages by directly calling the sender.
How the Scam Works:
Profile Hacking: Hackers gain access to Facebook or Instagram accounts.
Exploiting Trust: They send OTP-related messages to the hacked user’s friends list.
Request for OTP: Fraudsters claim an OTP was mistakenly sent and ask for it to be returned.
Financial Fraud: Once the OTP is provided, funds are transferred from the victim’s account.
Profile Misuse: Hacked accounts are used for further scams.
Precautionary Measures:
Never share OTPs with anyone.
Enable two-factor authentication on social media accounts.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Use antivirus or security apps on your phone.
If your account is hacked, change the password immediately and report the breach.
In response to the growing threat, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Cell has launched awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and housing societies. The ‘Cyber Mitra’ initiative involves volunteers spreading digital safety information. Inspector Nale emphasized that even if a message appears to come from a trusted acquaintance, it should always be verified before taking any action.
Stay alert and verify before you share sensitive information to protect yourself from falling victim to cyber fraud.
