Jharkhand Scam: Woman Loses Rs 5 Lakh in Google Search Deception; Two Arrested

Scammer Tricks Victim into Downloading App, Steals Over 5 Lakh Rupees

In this incident, scammers employed various deceptive tactics to defraud a woman in Delhi. The fraud began when the woman searched for the customer care number of Punjab National Bank on Google. Unbeknownst to her, scammers had manipulated the search results or placed fraudulent ads that displayed a fake customer care number on the search page.

Believing she had found the legitimate contact information, the woman called the provided mobile number. The person who answered the call, posing as a bank representative, instructed her to download a seemingly innocent app. However, this app was malicious and designed to compromise the security of her account.

In this scam, fraudsters leveraged Google Ads to carry out their nefarious activities. The victim, searching for the customer care number of Punjab National Bank.

Trusting the fraudulent instructions, the victim downloaded the app, which ultimately facilitated the scammer in stealing over Rs 5 lakh from her bank account. This incident highlights how scammers are adapting and using a combination of deceptive methods, such as manipulating search results, fake customer care numbers, and misleading apps, to exploit unsuspecting individuals online.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police has revealed that the scam unfolded with the victim being advised to download the Rust Desk App by the alleged scammer. Once the victim complied and downloaded the app, the fraudster gained access to her phone and extracted sensitive account information. Subsequently, a substantial amount of Rs 5,45,000 was fraudulently debited from her Canara Bank account.

Rajana Kaul, residing in Vasant Kunj, lodged a complaint on August 9 last year, prompting a police investigation. During the inquiry, authorities focused on scrutinizing the transaction’s beneficiary details. The Deputy Commissioner of Police disclosed that a comprehensive analysis revealed that the funds deceitfully taken from all the beneficiary bank accounts were subsequently withdrawn from ATMs in Deoghar.

The money trail identified amounted to Rs 15 lakh in the alleged bank accounts. Further investigation using the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) revealed a connection between the calling number used in the scam and a total of eight complaints.

Following thorough surveillance, authorities arrested Mustaqeem Ansari (31) and Md. Rizwan Ansari (26), residents of Deoghar district in Jharkhand. The Deputy Commissioner of Police revealed that Mustaqeem and Rizwan collaborated with another fraudster, Md. Irfan Ansari, and initiated cyber fraud activities under the guise of providing customer care services.

Their modus operandi involved running deceptive ads on Google. The suspects acquired bank accounts from various states, using them to withdraw the fraudulently obtained amounts from ATMs located in Deoghar, Jharkhand.

Protecting yourself from Google Ad frauds requires vigilance and cautious online behavior. Here are some tips to safeguard against such scams:

1. Check for Red Flags:
   • Look for grammatical errors and inconsistencies in the ad text. Legitimate businesses usually maintain professional and error-free content.
   • Check for mismatched branding or logos. Scam ads may use slightly altered logos to deceive users.
2. Verify the Website URL:
   • Before clicking on a URL, carefully examine the actual website address. Ensure it matches the advertised brand or company.
   • Phishing ads often use URLs that are similar but not identical to the legitimate ones. Pay attention to subtle variations.
3. Avoid Unverified Downloads:
   • Refrain from downloading anything directly from an ad, especially if you’re uncertain about its source.
   • Stick to downloading applications and files from official app stores or trusted websites.
4. Use Security Software:
   • Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. These tools can help detect and prevent malicious activities.
5. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Messages:
   • Avoid responding to unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from customer care, especially if they request personal or financial information.
6. Educate Yourself:
   • Stay informed about common online scams and fraud tactics. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing falling victim to deceptive practices.
7. Report Suspicious Ads:
   • If you come across an ad that seems suspicious, report it to the respective platform or ad provider. This helps in taking down fraudulent content and protects other users.
8. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
   • Activate 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

By adopting these precautions and maintaining a cautious approach while interacting with online content, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to Google Ad frauds and other online scams.

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