He downloaded a WhatsApp image. Minutes later, Rs 2 lakh was gone
Fraudulent Attack Leaves Young Man Duped of Rs 2.01 Lakh
The Unsolicited Call and Message
One early morning, Pradeep Jain, a 28-year-old resident, received an unexpected phone call. Initially, he ignored it, thinking it was spam. However, shortly afterward, he received a message from the same unknown number. The message contained a photo of an older man with the simple question: “Do you know this person?”
Reluctantly Downloading the Image
Despite his initial skepticism, Jain continued to receive repeated calls from the same number. Feeling increasingly uneasy, he finally decided to download the image around 1:35 PM. At that moment, he could not have anticipated the consequences of that one click.
Hackers Gain Access to His Phone
Once the image was downloaded, Jain unknowingly gave the hackers access to his phone. Within minutes, they took control of his device and gained access to sensitive information, including banking details. As a result, his account was drained of Rs 2.01 lakh without his knowledge or consent.
How the Scam Works
Experts suggest that the hackers likely embedded malware within the image. Consequently, the malware allowed them to remotely control Jain’s phone, giving them access to his personal data. This type of scam, known as “smishing,” combines phishing with malicious attachments sent via SMS.
A Wake-Up Call for Digital Security
Jain’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cyber fraud. As a result, experts emphasize the importance of being cautious when interacting with unsolicited messages, even those containing seemingly harmless attachments like images. The risks are real, and it only takes one mistake to fall victim.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Cyber Fraud
To help protect against similar scams, experts recommend the following steps:
- Be cautious with unknown messages – Avoid opening attachments from unfamiliar numbers, as they may contain malicious software.
- Update your phone regularly – Ensure that your device is up to date with the latest security patches and software.
- Use reliable security apps – Trusted apps can help detect and block malicious content before it reaches your device.
- Enable multi-factor authentication – Adding extra layers of security to sensitive accounts, such as banking, can prevent unauthorized access.
Jain’s Recovery Process
Jain has already reported the theft to the authorities and is working with his bank to recover the stolen funds. However, the emotional toll of the incident remains significant. His story highlights the need for greater digital vigilance, as cyber threats continue to evolve and target unsuspecting individuals.
