Haryana woman loses Rs 1.47 lakh after clicking fake net banking link: How to stay safe from such scam

A 55-year-old woman from Panchkula recently fell victim to a cyber scam that cost her Rs 1.47 lakh. Triveni received a text message, claiming that her net banking points were about to expire. The message included a link that Triveni was asked to click on to redeem the points. Trusting the message, she clicked the link and entered her bank details, including her bank ID and password.

Soon after, Triveni received a notification that Rs 98,127 had been withdrawn from her bank account, reports The Tribune. Shocked and alarmed, she immediately tried to block any further transactions, before she could take action, another Rs 49,112 was deducted from her account. In total, she lost Rs 1.47 lakh within a very short span of time.

Triveni reported the incident to the local police, who have since registered a case.

Also read: Kerala Woman lost Rs 75 lakh in credit card unblocking scam: Here’s what happened

How to stay safe from such scams

This incident is an important reminder of the growing threat of cyber fraud. Here are some tips to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams:

• Be cautious of unsolicited messages: Always be sceptical of unexpected text messages or emails, especially those asking for personal or financial information. Legitimate organisations typically do not ask for sensitive information through these channels.
• Avoid clicking on unknown links: Do not click on links in messages from unknown or unverified sources.
• Verify the source: If you receive a message about your bank account or any other financial service, verify the information by contacting the institution directly using official contact details.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Ensure your bank accounts are secured with strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA for an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorised transactions cannot take place without your approval.
• Monitor your bank accounts regularly: Regularly check your bank statements and account activity for any unauthorised transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your bank.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to cyber fraud. Always remember that it’s better to be cautious than to become a victim of a scam.