Gas bill fraud
Ahmedabad: A fake gas pipeline disconnection alert led a 57-year-old spice trader from Naranpura to download a malicious APK file, allegedly enabling cyberfraudsters to siphon off Rs 5.9 lakh from his bank account. The fraudsters also allegedly obtained a loan of Rs 14.3 lakh in his name and got a credit card issued without his knowledge. The trader received a WhatsApp message through his wife on Oct 6, warning that his gas connection would be disconnected by 9.30pm over an unpaid bill, according to a complaint filed on Oct 19.
The message directed him to contact a purported billing officer.
When he called the number, the person claimed that his bill was pending and asked him to pay Rs 12. However, when he contacted the bank on Oct 14 to reactivate his account, he learnt that a pre-approved loan of Rs 14.3 lakh had been sanctioned in his name on Oct 6. After processing charges, Rs 13.9 lakh was credited to his account, and a credit card was issued without his knowledge. A subsequent account check revealed three unauthorised debits totalling Rs 5.9 lakh. The trader lodged a complaint through the cybercrime helpline 1930 on Oct 15.
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The caller then sent him a file named “ADANI GAS METER UPDATE KYC PDF.APK” under the pretext of updating his gas meter details and completing re-KYC. The trader installed the file, entered his consumer ID and mobile number, and attempted to pay using his Kotak Mahindra Bank debit card. The transaction failed, as did subsequent attempts using his nephew’s cards. Later, he received repeated messages about changes to his bank’s customer relationship number (CRN). Suspecting fraud, he approached the bank and blocked his account. An initial check showed no unauthorised transactions. Download the TOI App.