Bank manager in Bengaluru calls fake call centre number, loses Rs 2.4 lakh

Bengaluru: A 32-year-old-manager of a private commercial bank in Channapatna, Bengaluru South, fell prey to cybercriminals who siphoned off Rs 2.4 lakh from his account.

The victim told police that on the morning of May 6, he booked a resort in Sakaleshpur by paying Rs 19,000 through Agoda (a digital travel platform and online travel agency). The same evening, he cancelled the booking for a personal reason.

In order to get his money back, he searched online for the Agoda customer care number. ”I found the number 8000501620 and called. A person confirmed it was Agoda’s call centre number and promised to refund my money. He sent me an APK file, asking me to click on the link and fill details like my name, date of birth. I did so and then the man asked me to share my UPI PIN, which I refused,” the complainant told police.

On May 10 at 7.57am, Rs 99,865 was deducted from his bank account. At 8.14am, Rs 42,181 was siphoned off, and then Rs 48,025 at 8.16am, Rs 49,863 at 8.19am, and Rs 8,102 at 8.20am. In all, the miscreants transferred Rs 2,48,036 from my account,” he said.

“He was conned by cybercrooks who falsely posed as call centre staff. The number was not of Agoda call centre. Miscreants had uploaded fake numbers online to deceive victims,” a senior police officer said, adding: “Individuals searching for call centre or helpline numbers online often fall prey to this scam. We request people to double-check the contact numbers they find online.”