Chandigarh Woman Duped of ₹8 Lakh in Fixed Deposit Fraud: Cybercriminals Breach Secure Account
In a disturbing example of the rising sophistication of online fraud, a Chandigarh woman lost ₹8 lakh from her fixed deposit after falling victim to a cybercrime. The police have filed a case under multiple provisions of the newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an in-depth investigation.
From Routine to Ruin: A Day That Took a Terrifying Turn
The incident unfolded on February 28, 2025, when the Sector 39-B resident received a text alert about ₹2 lakh being debited from her account. Believing it to be a mistake, she ignored it. But soon after, two OTP messages followed, indicating further transactions.
Panicked, the woman and her husband rushed to the bank. There, they were met with shocking news: ₹8 lakh had been fraudulently withdrawn from her fixed deposit account — money that was not scheduled to mature until 2026.
Bank staff reacted swiftly by freezing the account to prevent any further unauthorized access, but the financial blow had already struck. “It felt like the ground slipped from beneath us,” she later recounted in her police statement.
Fixed Deposits No Longer Immune: How Hackers Gained Access
Fixed deposits are typically considered low-risk due to their structured withdrawal process. However, cybercriminals in this case manipulated digital access, particularly the victim's linked mobile number, to breach the account’s security. This enabled them to carry out multiple unauthorized transfers in a short period.
Cybersecurity professionals suspect the use of phishing techniques — malicious links or malware that steal login credentials and OTPs — to gain control over the victim’s banking interface. According to officials, the rapid sequence of OTPs reveals the methodical nature of the scam.
Police Register FIR Under BNS for Cyber Fraud
Based on the woman’s formal complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the local police station, invoking several clauses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — India’s updated criminal code. The specific sections applied in the case include:
- Section 319(2) – Cheating by personation
- Section 318(4) – Cheating
- Section 336(3) – Forgery
- Section 338 – Forgery of valuable security or wills
- Section 340(2) – Using forged electronic records as genuine
- Section 61(2) – Criminal conspiracy
Investigators have completed a preliminary inquiry and are now tracing the digital trail — including IP addresses, mobile tower locations, and transactional data — to track down the perpetrators.
Authorities Urge Vigilance Amid Rising Cyber Threats
The police have urged the public to stay alert and cautious. Citizens are advised to:
- Verify every unfamiliar or suspicious message
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unverified apps
- Report any fraudulent activity to helpline 1930 without delay
As cyberattacks become more targeted and refined, even relatively secure instruments like fixed deposits are no longer off-limits. The case serves as a sobering reminder that no one is immune to digital fraud, and vigilance is the first line of defense.