Three Panchkula residents were allegedly duped of ₹9 lakh in separate cyber fraud cases after scammers tricked them into downloading fake mobile applications through Google searches and WhatsApp links. Cases have been registered under Sections 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), 318(4) (cheating) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Told to transfer ₹5 via UPI, lost ₹5 lakh
In the first case, Ruchi Sharma, 43, a self-employed resident of Sector 21, Panchkula, alleged that she searched online for an AC service provider on July 2 and contacted a number provided in the search results. The caller sent her a fake customer service application on WhatsApp and asked her to install it and transfer ₹5 through UPI. Soon after, her phone was hacked, calls were diverted and fraudsters siphoned off ₹5 lakh from her HDFC bank account through multiple unauthorised transactions. She lodged a complaint on the 1930 cyber helpline on July 6.
Tricked into installing fake bank app
In another incident, a retired army subedar major from Sector 3, Panchkula, lost ₹2 lakh after fraudsters posing as Punjab National Bank (PNB) officials persuaded him to install a fake PNB One application on the pretext of checking his bank statement. The accused allegedly obtained his internet banking credentials, ATM card details and OTPs before fraudulently withdrawing money from his account. The fraud took place between July 4 and July 5.
Looked for AC service provider online
{{/usCountry}}Looked for AC service provider online
{{/usCountry}}In the third case, Shiv Kumar Sharma, 59, a factory owner from Pinjore, was allegedly cheated of ₹1.9 lakh after downloading a fake technician booking.apk file sent by a person posing as an AC service provider. Sharma had contacted the fraudster after finding the service provider’s number through a Google search for AC servicing. The alleged fraud was committed on July 4.