Ludhiana Man Defrauded of Rs 14.9 Lakh in Smart Health Card Scam: Learn the Details

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Ludhiana Man Defrauded of Rs 14.9 Lakh in Smart Health Card Scam: Learn the Details



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HIGHLIGHTS

Rajendra Singh, a retired general manager from ONGC in Ludhiana, became a victim of scammers impersonating ONGC’s retired employee cell representatives.

The impostor touted a new “smart health card” for retirees, prompting Singh to fill out an online form and pay a nominal token fee of merely Rs 10.

Naively placing trust in the caller, Singh provided his banking details and processed the minimal payment from a joint account shared with his spouse.

Imagine receiving a phone call that seems innocent and beneficial, only to discover later that it was a well-orchestrated scam. This nightmare unfolded for Rajendra Singh, a 69-year-old retired Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) general manager residing in Ludhiana, who lost a staggering Rs 14.9 lakh to a sophisticated cyber scam.

Rajendra Singh, who lives in Urban Estate Phase-II in Dugri, encountered scammers masquerading as officials from ONGC’s retired employee cell. The ordeal began on January 7, when Singh received a call from an individual identifying himself as “Kuldeep Srivastava,” supposedly from ONGC’s Dehradun office. This individual claimed that ONGC was introducing a new “smart health card” for retired employees and urged Singh to complete an online registration form, which included a nominal fee of just Rs 10.

This seemingly harmless offer led Rajendra to act in good faith. Encouraged by the legitimacy of the call and the minimal fee requested, he followed the caller’s instructions perfunctorily, willingly disclosing his banking information and completing the payment from a joint account he shared with his wife. However, apprehension struck him soon thereafter, leading him to visit his bank and secure his account by converting funds into a fixed deposit. Unfortunately, despite his prompt action, a shocking revelation awaited him the following morning: a notification reporting that Rs 14.93 lakh had been siphoned from his account without his consent.

Upon investigation, the bank disclosed that the fraudulent perpetrators had successfully transferred Rs 14.93 lakh to their own accounts. In a fortunate turn of events, an additional withdrawal attempt of Rs 4.95 lakh was thwarted, but the damage was undeniably done.

How to Safeguard Against Such Scams

  • Verify Callers: Always authenticate the identity of individuals claiming to be affiliated with an organization. If you have any doubts, it’s best to reach out to the official customer service line.
  • Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never disclose critical personal information, such as banking details, passwords, or OTPs, through phone conversations or online interactions, especially with unsolicited contacts.
  • Be Wary of Links and Forms: Steer clear of clicking on dubious links or filling out forms that you cannot verify. Scammers often use these tactics to gather personal information.
  • Act Promptly: If you suspect you’ve become a victim of fraud, immediately contact your bank and lodge a police report to mitigate potential losses.

Rajendra’s story is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that many retirees face in an increasingly digital world. Scammers often target older adults who may not be as tech-savvy or aware of the latest fraud tactics. As Rajendra’s case highlights, it’s crucial to stay alert and informed about potential scams.

In light of this incident, the authorities have underscored the importance of education around online safety and fraud prevention. Workshops, community outreach programs, and informational pamphlets can help educate vulnerable populations about the risks associated with cyber fraud.

Ultimately, staying vigilant, maintaining skepticism towards unsolicited calls, and adhering to safety guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams. Everyone, regardless of age, should prioritize their financial security by adopting proactive measures to safeguard their assets.

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