Businessman loses over Rs. 1.2 lakh in credit card reward point scam in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A 35-year-old businessman from Hyderabad lost ₹1,23,324 in a credit card scam involving fake reward point redemption. The fraud occurred in four separate transactions after the victim was tricked into downloading a malicious mobile application.
The victim received a call from a person claiming to be an executive from IndusInd Bank, offering assistance with redeeming credit card reward points. The caller sent a link via WhatsApp, which the victim was unable to open on his iPhone.
The caller then instructed the victim to remove the SIM card from the iPhone and insert it into an Android phone. Once the link opened on the Android device, it prompted the download of an APK file allegedly from IndusInd Bank. The victim was asked to install the app and enter his credit card details.
Soon after entering the information, ₹1,23,324 was fraudulently debited from the victim’s credit card in four transactions, none of which triggered an OTP alert. The victim has lodged an online complaint and is seeking assistance. Police are investigating the incident.
Public Advisory:
- Fraudsters are posing as bank representatives and targeting credit card holders with fake reward point redemption offers.
- Always verify the caller’s identity by contacting your bank’s official customer service number.
- Do not share credit card details, CVV, PIN, or OTP with anyone.
- Never click on suspicious links or download apps from unverified sources. Use only the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Do not switch devices or remove SIM cards on someone’s instruction.
- If your SIM is compromised, report it immediately to your telecom provider.
- Report incidents to your bank, local police, and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
- For emergency cyber fraud assistance, call 1930 or WhatsApp 8712665171.