Contributor,
Shubhankar C
Advocate
Chairperson Adi Shankara Foundation
Shubhankar C
Advocate
Chairperson Adi Shankara Foundation
In a disturbing recent incident, two doctors became unsuspecting victims of a cybercrime that serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of online frauds.
Dr. Pavi (name changed), a reputed medical professional, received a call from an unknown number claiming to be from a courier service. The caller informed her that a package in her name could not be delivered and that she must contact the delivery executive immediately. Trusting the information, Dr. Pavi noted the number provided and attempted to call. The call failed to connect, and she eventually dismissed the matter, assuming the courier would arrive on its own.
However, within two days, a close friend of Dr. Pavi — also a doctor — received a WhatsApp message from Dr. Pavi’s number, claiming an urgent financial emergency. The message included a different number and requested that money be transferred immediately. Believing her friend was in distress, the second doctor transferred ₹60,000. When more demands followed, she grew suspicious and called Dr. Pavi, only to realize that her friend’s WhatsApp had been hacked.
This alarming incident highlights the methods cybercriminals use to exploit trust and manipulate victims. It is believed that by calling the number shared by the fraudsters, Dr. Pavi inadvertently allowed remote access or provided an opening for her WhatsApp to be compromised.
The public must remain vigilant. No legitimate courier service will ask you to call an unknown number without prior notification. And any genuine friend in need would likely call directly rather than sending a vague message. Always verify such requests before acting.
In case of any such suspicious activity, report it immediately to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930. Let us spread awareness, stay alert, and ensure we do not fall into the trap of cyber fraudsters.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.
Dr. Pavi (name changed), a reputed medical professional, received a call from an unknown number claiming to be from a courier service. The caller informed her that a package in her name could not be delivered and that she must contact the delivery executive immediately. Trusting the information, Dr. Pavi noted the number provided and attempted to call. The call failed to connect, and she eventually dismissed the matter, assuming the courier would arrive on its own.
However, within two days, a close friend of Dr. Pavi — also a doctor — received a WhatsApp message from Dr. Pavi’s number, claiming an urgent financial emergency. The message included a different number and requested that money be transferred immediately. Believing her friend was in distress, the second doctor transferred ₹60,000. When more demands followed, she grew suspicious and called Dr. Pavi, only to realize that her friend’s WhatsApp had been hacked.
This alarming incident highlights the methods cybercriminals use to exploit trust and manipulate victims. It is believed that by calling the number shared by the fraudsters, Dr. Pavi inadvertently allowed remote access or provided an opening for her WhatsApp to be compromised.
The public must remain vigilant. No legitimate courier service will ask you to call an unknown number without prior notification. And any genuine friend in need would likely call directly rather than sending a vague message. Always verify such requests before acting.
In case of any such suspicious activity, report it immediately to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930. Let us spread awareness, stay alert, and ensure we do not fall into the trap of cyber fraudsters.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.
