Stay Avert from Online Liquor Scams: A Man from Bengaluru Lost ₹3.4 Lakh Due to Cyber Fraud
Stay Avert from Online Liquor Scams: A Man from Bengaluru Lost ₹3.4 Lakh Due to Cyber Fraud
Synopsis:
Finance executives in Bengaluru are duped out of ₹3.4 lakh by cybercriminals desperate for weekend liquor.
Bengaluru: Seeking an urgent libation for the weekend? Bengaluru Police cautions individuals to exercise caution before proceeding with online purchases, as young professionals are increasingly becoming victims of cyber frauds that specifically target illicit online booze sales.
“A senior police officer informed the media that numerous young individuals, particularly IT professionals, are experiencing financial losses and mental distress while attempting to obtain home delivery of alcohol, without realizing that the online sale and delivery of alcohol is strictly prohibited.”
Danush (name altered), a 41-year-old finance executive at BTM Layout, has been the most recent casualty of this digital alcohol entrapment. On January 14, his quest for a beverage turned into a nightmare when he fell victim to online liquor fraudsters, losing a staggering ₹3.4 lakh.
Danush, in search of a bottle from the establishment “Tonique” in Koramangala, discovered a contact number on the internet and proceeded to make his purchase. Unbeknownst to him, he was unknowingly connecting to a complex network of deception. The recipient, assuming the identity of “Tonique,” obtained his credit card information for a seemingly innocuous payment of ₹4,065. However, what ensued was a rapid succession of requests for One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and false justifications, depleting Danush’s bank account by a staggering amount of ₹3.4 lakh.
Cash on Delivery Refused, Card Details Siphoned
Danush, first cautious, favored payment upon delivery in cash. Nevertheless, the fraudulent individual persisted in receiving payment in advance, asserting that the delivery was dependent on it. Compelled by circumstances, Danush reluctantly provided his credit card information. The caller, pretending to have technical difficulties in producing a payment link, ultimately persuaded him to provide his card details, including CVV.
Unaware and defenseless, Danush witnessed the unfortunate disappearance of ₹4,065 from his account. However, that was merely the initiation.
An Array of OTP Traps
The scammer asked an OTP in order to eliminate Danush’s card details from their system. The amount was not insignificant – ₹1,76,999! Despite feeling alarmed, Danush chose to trust the false explanation of a “balance issue” and proceeded to share the OTP. However, he soon discovered that an additional amount of ₹1,76,999 had disappeared from his account.
The deception persisted as the fraudster, once again employing the excuse of a technical malfunction, insisted on receiving another One-Time Password (OTP) in order to claim a purported “refund.” The ultimate One-Time Password (OTP), totaling ₹1,56,999, determined Danush’s destiny, depleting his account of a grand total of ₹3.4 lakh in a harrowing 25-minute ordeal.
Compounding the problem, Danush’s bank was unable to verify the questionable transactions due to his continued dialogue with the fraudster.
A Serious Police Warning!
Danush’s experience serves as a clear warning of the perils that exist in the digital realm for anyone attempting to make illicit alcohol transactions online. The Bengaluru Police strongly advise exercising caution, highlighting the unlawful nature of online alcohol transactions and the significant vulnerability to sophisticated cyber fraud.
Keep in mind that indulging in a beverage throughout the weekend should not compromise your mental well-being or financial stability. Adhere to reputable and lawful channels for obtaining alcohol, and when confronted with web enticements, bear in mind that if anything appears excessively advantageous, it is likely to be deceptive.
Key Points To Ponder
- India prohibits the sale of alcohol through online platforms.
- Do not disclose financial information to unfamiliar callers or websites.
- Opting for cash on delivery is the most secure choice when making genuine purchases of alcoholic beverages.
- Promptly notify the authorities of any dubious behavior.
Key Suggestions To Stay Avert from Online Scams
| Verify Legitimacy | Purchase exclusively from trustworthy and authorized suppliers. |
| No Advance Payment | Minimize initial payments and consider using the “cash-on-delivery” option if feasible. |
| Use Official Apps | Limit your alcohol purchases to authorized apps or websites. |
| Beware of Spoofing | Verify website URLs and contact information. |
| Secure Transactions | Verify the presence of secure payment gateways by checking for the ‘https’ protocol in the URL. |
| Guard Personal Info | Avoid disclosing confidential data such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or Card Verification Values (CVVs). |
| Ignore Pressure | Avoid being coerced into making impulsive decisions. |
| Seek Reviews | Consult internet reviews and ratings to evaluate sellers. |
| Report Suspicious Activity | Report any fraudulent or dubious websites to the appropriate authorities. |
| Stay Informed | Stay informed on the current local regulations regarding the sale and delivery of alcohol. |
About The Author:
Yogesh Naager is a content marketer who specializes in the cybersecurity and B2B space. Besides writing for the News4Hackers blog, he’s also written for brands including CollegeDunia, Utsav Fashion, and NASSCOM. Naager entered the field of content in an unusual way. He began his career as an insurance sales executive, where he developed an interest in simplifying difficult concepts. He also combines this interest with a love of narrative, which makes him a good writer in the cybersecurity field. In the bottom line, he frequently writes for Craw Security.
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