Trivandrum Doctor Loses Rs 2.25 Lakh To Hackers – Learn How To Prevent Credit Card Frauds

In a shocking cybercrime incident, a doctor from Thiruvananthapuram was robbed of Rs 2.25 lakh after unidentified fraudsters hacked into his credit card and made unauthorized online transactions. The incident took place on March 6, when the doctor received multiple notifications regarding purchases made using his ICICI credit card.

Upon realizing the fraudulent activity, the doctor acted swiftly and reported the matter to the police within minutes. Fearing further financial damage, he immediately blocked all his credit cards, including those from Axis Bank and SBI, as the hackers had attempted to gain access to them as well.

Investigations revealed that the fraudsters placed online orders using the stolen card details, and the purchased items were delivered to a location in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
"I received messages of online purchases using the ICICI credit card and also found that the accused tried to hack the other two credit cards as well but in vain. I soon blocked all my cards and filed a complaint with the crime records portal. City cyber police informed me that they can probe only frauds above Rs 10 lakh. On Thursday, Medical College police recorded my complaint, which was filed on March 7, and an FIR was registered on Friday. Police could have arrested the accused easily had they acted on time as the delivery of the purchased products took place hours later," said the 48-year-old doctor.

The police have now registered a case under BNS Section 318 (4) for cheating and have initiated a probe.

How To Stay Safe From Credit Card Frauds?

Cyber fraud incidents have been on the rise in recent years, with criminals using sophisticated methods to steal financial data. To protect yourself from such frauds, it is crucial to adopt safe banking practices. Here are some essential security tips to prevent credit card fraud:

Monitor Your Credit Card Statements Regularly - Keep a close watch on your bank statements and transaction history to spot any suspicious activity.

Shop Only On Secure Websites - Always check for "https://" and a padlock symbol before entering your credit card details on any website.

Use Credit Cards With Built-in Fraud Protection - Opt for cards that offer security features like OTP verification, spending alerts, and transaction limits.

Stay Alert For Phishing Scams - Never share your OTP, CVV, or PIN with anyone over calls, emails, or messages, even if they claim to be from the bank.

Use Different Cards For Different Purposes - Avoid linking all your transactions to a single credit card to minimize risk in case of fraud.

Keep Your Devices Secure - Regularly update your smartphone, computer, and banking apps with the latest security patches and antivirus protection.

Protect Your Personal Information - Avoid saving your credit card details on websites and disable auto-fill options in browsers.

Use Strong And Unique Passwords - Ensure your banking passwords are complex and change them periodically to enhance security.

With cybercriminals finding new ways to exploit financial data, awareness and timely action are crucial in preventing fraud. If you ever suspect unauthorized transactions, report them immediately to your bank and law enforcement agencies.