Cyber Fraud in Kanpur: Retired Air Force Officer Defrauded of Rs 13.77 Lakh via Pension Card Scam

A case of fraud targeting a senior citizen and retired Air Force officer has emerged in the Tilak Nagar area of Kanpur. 89-year-old retired Group Captain Kamlakant Dwivedi was targeted by cybercriminals who contacted him over the phone, posing as employees of Punjab National Bank.

According to the victim, the perpetrator lured him with the promise of completing the process for a pension card. During the interaction, the fraudster gained his trust and obtained sensitive banking information. Subsequently, a significant sum of Rs 13.77 lakh was siphoned off from his account.

Upon discovering the unauthorized transaction, the victim immediately alerted the relevant authorities. The incident has caused concern in the area, and the police have launched a formal investigation into the cybercrime.

Cybersecurity experts note that fraudsters frequently target senior citizens, who may be less familiar with the intricacies of digital transactions. In this instance, the perpetrator successfully manipulated the victim by impersonating a bank official.

Police have advised citizens not to share bank details, OTPs, or passwords with any unknown individuals. They reiterated that banks never request such sensitive information over the phone.

Authorities stated that they are tracking the perpetrators based on technical evidence. The police have begun examining bank account records and call logs to identify the individuals involved in the scam.

This incident underscores the urgent need for greater awareness regarding cybersecurity. The administration has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant against suspicious calls or messages and to report such incidents immediately to the nearest police station or cyber cell.