Posted By :  Admin1

Bengaluru: In a startling cybercrime incident, Dr. Jyothi SR, a distinguished obstetrician and gynaecologist in Bengaluru, fell prey to a sophisticated online scam, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 95,000. Pretending to be an army officer, the perpetrator persuaded Dr. Jyothi to disclose her digital payment app's QR code, ultimately resulting in the illicit withdrawal of funds from her account. During her patient consultations at Guru Sparsha Clinic in T Dasarahalli on January 9th, Dr. Jyothi received an unexpected phone call from an unfamiliar number. Purporting to be 'Sathies Kumar' from the Indian Army, the caller conveyed to her that about 25 female army personnel were scheduled to visit her clinic for medical check-ups. He urged her to conduct the tests and forward the reports to him. To enhance the credibility of his deception, Kumar initiated a video call with Dr. Jyothi, delving deeper into the details of the tests and procedures. Subsequently, he asked for her visiting card and the clinic's location through WhatsApp. Unaware of the unfolding deception, Jyothi innocently disclosed the information, unwittingly providing the conman with more tools for his fraudulent scheme. Escalating the scheme, Kumar went a step further by assuring an advance payment for the upcoming tests. Persuading Dr. Jyothi, he convinced her to disclose her UPI QR code, asserting its necessity for fund transfer. Trusting his words, she shared the code. Adhering to Kumar's instructions, Dr. Jyothi entered Rs 47,500 in her UPI payment slot. To her astonishment, the money was immediately debited from her account. Labeling the deductions as a 'technical glitch,' Kumar shrewdly guided Dr. Jyothi to perform the process again. Despite the repeated deductions, Dr. Jyothi soon discerned that she was being deceived. Swift and alert, Dr. Jyothi promptly terminated the call and reached out to the Bagalagunte police, preventing the scammer from further exploiting her. A case has been registered by the police under the Information Technology Act and IPC 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and they are presently conducting an investigation into the matter. The incident stands as a sobering reminder of the constant menace of cybercrime, underscoring its potential impact on professionals, including those in the medical field. It underscores the significance of vigilance, particularly when engaging in online financial transactions. Caution should be exercised when sharing sensitive information like QR codes and entering financial details, as neglecting to confirm the authenticity of the source may result in serious financial repercussions. While Dr. Jyothi's quick response and awareness mitigated further losses, her encounter underscores the necessity for enhanced awareness and education on the prevalence of online scams. With the advancement of technology, cybercriminals continually evolve their tactics. Individuals can safeguard themselves from falling victim to deceptive schemes by staying vigilant, exercising caution, and verifying information before participating in online transactions.