FPJ Cyber Secure: Scammers Hack WhatsApp Of Bandra Yoga Teacher’s Relative, Siphon Off ₹1 Lakh

Mumbai: A yoga teacher lost ₹1 lakh after her relative's WhatsApp account was hacked by cyber crooks. A case was registered against an unidentified individual for alleged cheating at the Khar police station on Monday.

According to the FIR, Shobha Mandana, 41, a resident of Vergo Heights, 16th Road, Bandra West, would often speak to her relative Shamita Jaju, 55, on call. Jaju lives in Chicago.

On Wednesday, Mandana received a WhatsApp message from Jaju’s Chicago mobile requesting Mandana to send her money. Mandana thought that Jaju’s father-in-law, who is also the uncle of Mandana, might be unwell and she agreed to send money, asking for the bank details.

She was provided with Yes Bank account details and told to transfer ₹1 lakh. Mandana sent money from her ICICI bank accounts to Jaju’s account. The fraudster then asked for a screenshot of the money transfer, which Mandana also forwarded to her.

How victim found out she was duped

Later, Mandana received another message via WhatsApp from the same number, this time asking for an additional ₹3 lakhs. Suspecting that she had fallen prey to cyber fraud, Mandana tried to call on the same WhatsApp number but no one received it. The complainant later texted Mandana’s husband informing him about the money transfer and other details. When Jaju’s husband told Mandana that they did not ask for any money or bank details, the complainant realised that she had been cheated.

Mandana subsequently filed a case against an unknown person under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.