Income Tax Officer Duped Rs 97,963 in Online Credit Card Fraud Carried Out Using Fake Website

An income tax officer (31 years old) became a victim of online card fraud, losing Rs 97,963, after falling for a fake website that appeared to be an official credit card application page. The victim, Rekulwar Shubham, filed a complaint with the East Division Cyber Crime Police following the incident.

As per the complaint filed with the East Division Cybercrime Police, the incident took place on March 16 when the income tax officer received a phone call from an individual with an unknown number offering a credit card. Shortly thereafter, he was sent the link via WhatsApp from another number that appeared to be an official website, directing him to apply for a credit card.

Shubham (victim), believing the website to be genuine, proceeded to fill in the essential information. After submitting the application, the website indicated that the request had been approved and prompted him to pay a nominal processing fee of Rs 2.00.

While making the payment, he entered his credit card details and completed the transaction using a one-time password (OTP); however, instead of the stated amount, a total of Rs 97,963.47 was debited from his account without his permission.

He realized that he had been deceived; the officer immediately connected with the nation’s cybercrime helpline, 1930, and deactivated his credit card to prevent further misuse.

The police have registered an FIR in the present case, and further scrutiny is ongoing.