The individual posing as an “official” conversed fluently in both English and Hindi, guiding Basheer to install an application named ‘Rest Desk’. This app, however, provided the cybercriminals with access to Basheer’s mobile phone. In addition to this, Basheer inadvertently disclosed his bank account particulars and ATM card number to the imposter.

Mint could not independently confirm the development.

Shortly thereafter, he received a notification indicating that a significant sum of money had been withdrawn from his savings account. Alarmed by this development, he promptly visited his bank, only to discover that a staggering amount of ₹4 lakh had been taken from his fixed deposit account as well.

Subsequent investigation uncovered that Basheer inadvertently downloaded the ‘Rest Desk’ app, which served as a gateway for the fraudsters to gain access to his smartphone. The illicit transaction involved four distinct withdrawals, totaling ₹4,05,919, with the funds being debited from a location in Kolkata. Presently, law enforcement authorities hold suspicions that the perpetrators behind this scam could potentially have affiliations with individuals from Bengal and Bihar.

This occurrence follows closely on the heels of a warning issued by the IRCTC regarding a fresh wave of fraudulent activities involving a mobile app campaign. In this campaign, scammers are employing a phishing strategy through a widespread mobile app scheme, masquerading as either a bona fide private corporation or even a governmental entity.

Updated: 13 Aug 2023, 02:34 PM IST