How Can Coimbatore Residents Protect Themselves from Fraudsters Posing as Travel Firm Staff?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Coimbatore has witnessed a surge in fraud cases where scammers impersonate travel firm staff, leaving dozens of victims devastated. This alert by the cybercrime police serves as a crucial reminder for residents to safeguard their financial information and stay wary of unknown contacts. Awareness is key in combating these scams.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious with unknown callers.
- Always verify customer service numbers.
- Do not download apps from untrusted sources.
- Keep your financial information private.
- Report suspicious activities immediately.
Chennai, Sep 8 (NationPress) The cybercrime unit in Coimbatore has raised an urgent warning to the local populace after approximately 50 individuals in the city were deceived by con artists impersonating as customer support representatives from online travel agencies to illicitly withdraw funds from their bank accounts.
Authorities have implored residents to exercise utmost caution and refrain from engaging with unfamiliar phone numbers or callers encountered online.
The most recent incident involved a 60-year-old woman from Kerala, living in Kovaipudur, who was defrauded of Rs 18 lakh. After booking a hotel stay via a well-known travel application and subsequently canceling her plans, she sought refund options online and stumbled upon a 10-digit mobile number that claimed to be the customer service line for the company.
“Upon calling the number, a man masquerading as a representative of the travel app provided her with an email address to submit her refund request. Shortly after she emailed, she received a WhatsApp message from another individual, instructing her to download an APK file. Believing this was necessary for her refund, she installed the app, unwittingly granting the fraudsters remote access,” explained an official from the cybercrime division.
The scammer then requested her to transfer Rs 1 to a designated account as a “test transaction.” Once she entered her banking details, the hackers captured her credentials, leading to the unauthorized withdrawal of Rs 18 lakh from her account.
Following the incident, she filed a complaint with the cybercrime police. Officials noted that this incident is not unique; in recent months, numerous residents have been duped in a similar manner, losing funds after installing malicious software or trusting fake helplines found online.
Authorities emphasized that tickets and hotel reservations made through verified platforms can only be canceled via their official websites or applications, and no legitimate customer service representative would ever request third-party downloads or direct transfers.
“Scammers are continually devising new schemes. It’s crucial for people to stay alert, avoid seeking random contact numbers online, and never share sensitive banking information with unknown callers or install unauthorized apps,” the officer warned.
The cybercrime unit reiterated its call for the community to remain vigilant against such frauds and to promptly report any suspicious activities, highlighting that awareness and precaution are the best defenses against cybercrime.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of vigilance in the digital age. The alarming rise in cyber fraud, particularly in Coimbatore, underscores the need for public awareness. It’s imperative for citizens to remain cautious and informed about these threats, ensuring they don’t fall victim to deceitful schemes. Nation is committed to keeping the public informed and empowered against such cyber threats.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a suspicious call?
If you receive a suspicious call, do not engage with the caller and avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Report the incident to local authorities immediately.
How can I verify if a travel firm is legitimate?
Always book through official websites or trusted apps, and check for customer reviews and ratings. Authentic firms will not request personal information via unknown contacts.
What are the signs of a scam?
Common signs include unsolicited calls, requests for personal information, and pressure to act quickly. Always trust your instincts and verify before proceeding.
Can downloading an app from an unknown source harm my device?
Yes, downloading apps from unverified sources can lead to malicious software installation, compromising your device and personal data.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
Immediately report the incident to the cybercrime police and your bank. Provide them with all relevant details to assist in their investigation.
