Mumbai, April 8: Cybercriminals have adopted a new method of fraud in Navi Mumbai, exploiting the gas crisis to threaten individuals with the shutdown of their gas connections.
A case has emerged in the Koparkhairane police station area where a resident, Ashraf Gain, was defrauded of ₹10,30,000. According to police reports, Ashraf received a call from someone claiming to be an official from the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) agency. The caller informed him that his gas bill had not been received, and therefore, his gas connection would be terminated. Distressed, Ashraf mentioned he would make an online payment.
The scammers promptly sent a file from a different number, instructing him to download it. As soon as Ashraf downloaded the file, a malware application was installed on his phone. The fraudsters gained complete control over his device and transferred ₹10,30,000 from his bank account. Upon receiving a notification about the deduction, Ashraf rushed to the Koparkhairane police station to file a complaint. The police have registered a case against unidentified suspects and have initiated an investigation.
This incident marks the second fraud case in the area within two days. On April 5, a 72-year-old man named Ajay, also from Koparkhairane, fell victim to a similar scam. The scammers sent him a file, gained access to his mobile, and withdrew ₹2,23,338 from his bank account.
Police have reported that in both cases, the fraudsters used the pretext of gas shortages and bill payments. They urge the public to be cautious and not trust messages or calls from unknown numbers, especially regarding downloading any files or links.
Authorities recommend that for any issues related to gas bills or other company services, individuals should directly contact the official customer care number. Any online payment links or apps should only be downloaded from official websites or apps.
In response to the rising incidents of cyber fraud in Navi Mumbai, the police have decided to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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