Cyber fraud has become one of the fastest-growing threats in India, with scammers targeting people irrespective of their education, profession, or social status. From senior citizens and students to software engineers, businessmen, and even banking professionals, fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tricks to steal money online.

Despite continuous awareness campaigns by banks, police departments, and the government, thousands continue to fall victim to fake links, phishing calls, malicious apps, and fraudulent customer care scams. Cyber criminals are now creating fake helpline numbers, impersonating company executives, and circulating deceptive contact details online to exploit unsuspecting users.

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In one such shocking case, a Bengaluru bank manager lost nearly ₹2.5 lakh after contacting a fake customer care number while trying to obtain a refund for a cancelled hotel booking.

Resort Booking Cancellation Turned Into Costly Mistake

The victim, a 32-year-old manager employed at a private commercial bank in Channapatna, Bengaluru South, approached police after cyber fraudsters allegedly siphoned off ₹2.48 lakh from his bank account.

According to the complaint, the manager had booked a resort in Sakaleshpur through Agoda on May 6 by paying ₹19,000. However, due to personal reasons, he cancelled the booking later the same day and started searching online for customer care assistance to process the refund. That online search ultimately led him straight into the fraudsters’ trap.

Fake Agoda Helpline Number Used to Gain Access

While browsing online, the victim reportedly found a number — 8000501620 — which appeared to be Agoda’s official customer support line. Trusting the listing, he contacted the number seeking help with the refund process.

”I found the number 8000501620 and called. A person confirmed it was Agoda’s call centre number and promised to refund my money. He sent me an APK file, asking me to click on the link and fill details like my name, date of birth. I did so and then the man asked me to share my UPI PIN, which I refused,” the complainant told police.

Although the bank manager declined to share his UPI PIN, investigators suspect the APK file installed on his device may have compromised sensitive banking access or enabled remote monitoring.

Fraudsters Emptied Account in Minutes!

A few days later, the victim discovered multiple unauthorised transactions from his account in rapid succession.

“On May 10 at 7.57am, Rs 99,865 was deducted from his bank account. At 8.14am, Rs 42,181 was siphoned off, and then Rs 48,025 at 8.16am, Rs 49,863 at 8.19am, and Rs 8,102 at 8.20am. In all, the miscreants transferred Rs 2,48,036 from my account,” he said. 

The transactions reportedly took place within a span of minutes, leaving the victim stunned and unable to stop the transfers in time.

Police Issue Warning Over Fake Customer Care Scams

Police officials said the fraudsters had uploaded fake customer support numbers online to deceive users searching for assistance.

“He was conned by cybercrooks who falsely posed as call centre staff. The number was not of Agoda call centre. Miscreants had uploaded fake numbers online to deceive victims,” a senior police officer said.

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Further, the official added, “Individuals searching for call centre or helpline numbers online often fall prey to this scam. We request people to double-check the contact numbers they find online.”

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid downloading APK files shared by unknown callers and to verify customer care numbers only through official websites or verified mobile applications.