Image Credits - FPJ
A recent incident in Delhi has exposed the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. A 26-year-old businesswoman from South Delhi became the victim of a sophisticated scam involving a popular food delivery app, losing nearly ₹1 lakh from her bank account.
The victim received an automated call purporting to be from the food delivery platform. The call, designed to sound legitimate, utilized Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology to trick the unsuspecting woman into divulging sensitive account information. Armed with this stolen data, the perpetrators then proceeded to siphon off ₹97,000 from her LazyPay account, which was linked to the app.
The victim, recognizing the fraudulent activity, promptly reported the incident to the Delhi Police’s cyber cell. This swift action proved pivotal in unravelling the intricate web of deceit. The cyber cell, led by DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan, launched a comprehensive investigation. Their meticulous efforts led to the identification and arrest of two individuals, Aniket Kalra and Himanshu, residing in Gurgaon. The recovered evidence, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and a plethora of credit and debit cards, painted a picture of a well-organized operation.
Further investigation revealed the modus operandi employed by the criminals. The IVR technology, used to trick victims into divulging account details, was a key element of their strategy. The stolen funds were then used to place orders on the food delivery app, and delivered to random addresses in Gurgaon. This approach aimed to avoid raising suspicion and hinder immediate detection.
A deeper analysis exposed the criminals’ connection to a larger network. The investigation uncovered their involvement in the purchase of discounted groceries online, followed by their resale in local markets for inflated prices, maximizing their illicit gains. Additionally, a Telegram channel surfaced, serving as a platform for sharing and learning IVR scam techniques, highlighting the collaborative nature of their cybercriminal activities.
Users should be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from legitimate companies, and never share personal or financial information over the phone. Additionally, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly can significantly aid in curbing the activities of cybercriminals and protecting potential victims.
