Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 31: In a recent encounter with online fraud, Walter Nandalike, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld, was targeted by a sophisticated scam aiming to swindle innocent citizens. On Thursday, March 28, Nandalike received a suspicious SMS purportedly from Canara Bank, urging him to renew his Know Your Customer (KYC) details. However, the language used in the message raised doubts about its authenticity.
The SMS included a mobile number for Nandalike to contact for KYC renewal. Upon calling the number, a person claiming to be a Canara Bank representative answered, speaking in Kannada. What added to the deception was the appearance of the genuine Canara Bank logo on Truecaller, giving a false sense of legitimacy.
The individual on the other end of the line instructed Nandalike to furnish his bank passbook for KYC verification. When Nandalike expressed his unavailability of the passbook at that moment, the caller insisted on a callback once the passbook was in hand.
Upon the callback, the imposter requested specific details from the passbook and failed to provide a satisfactory answer when asked about the branch from which he was calling. Sensing foul play, Nandalike declined to disclose any further information and terminated the call.
This incident sheds light on a prevalent scam wherein fraudsters exploit the trust of unsuspecting individuals by sending messages purportedly from reputable banks, coercing them to divulge sensitive information like customer IDs, account numbers, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
To combat such fraudulent activities, individuals who have fallen victim to these scams or have lost money are urged to contact the helpline number 1930 or any suspicious activity can be reported to https://cybercrime.gov.in/
Nandalike's experience serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of vigilance and skepticism when dealing with unsolicited messages or calls, especially concerning financial matters. It underscores the necessity for enhanced awareness and stringent measures to counter online fraud effectively.
For those seeking further guidance or wishing to report suspicious activities, Daijiworld provides detailed instructions in a Kannada-language video. Stay informed, stay cautious, and stay protected against online scams.
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