The Kanpur Police Cyber Crime Unit has launched a detailed investigation after a dairy trader allegedly lost ₹2.80 lakh in a sophisticated cyber fraud. According to the complaint, the victim neither shared his banking credentials nor interacted with suspicious links, yet funds were transferred from his account through unauthorised transactions.

The incident has prompted investigators to examine whether advanced cyber techniques were used to bypass conventional banking security mechanisms.

Suspicious Call Began With Fake PAN Card Story

According to police, the incident began on June 24, when trader Gyanu Singh received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming to have found his Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.

Investigators said the caller:

• Claimed to have located the PAN card.
• Allegedly sent its photograph through WhatsApp.
• Requested the victim to verify the document.

The trader reportedly informed the caller that his PAN card was safely at home and declined to open any message or media file.

Police said the victim also deliberately provided misleading information about his location after becoming suspicious of the caller's intentions.

₹2.80 Lakh Transferred Without Sharing Credentials

Despite refusing to click links or disclose sensitive information, the complainant later discovered unauthorised transactions.

According to investigators:

• A total of ₹2.80 lakh was debited from the bank account.
• Around ₹1 lakh was reportedly transferred to one beneficiary account.
• Remaining funds were allegedly routed through additional accounts.

Police are tracing the financial trail to identify the recipients of the transferred money.

Fraudster Allegedly Challenged Victim

Police stated that the suspect allegedly contacted the victim again after the transactions.

According to the complaint, the caller:

• Claimed the money had already been withdrawn.
• Allegedly challenged the victim to report the matter through the national cybercrime helpline.
• Mocked law enforcement's ability to recover the funds.

The complainant subsequently verified the transactions with his bank before filing a police complaint.

Digital Forensic Investigation Underway

Cyber investigators are examining whether sophisticated technical methods were used in the fraud.

The investigation currently includes:

• Mobile phone forensic examination.
• Analysis of system activity logs.
• Banking transaction analysis.
• Beneficiary account verification.
• Mobile number tracking.
• Examination of digital communication records.

Police are also coordinating with financial institutions to trace and, where possible, freeze recipient accounts.

Authorities Examine Advanced Cyber Techniques

Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including whether the incident involved:

• Device compromise.
• Mobile malware.
• SIM-related attacks.
• Session hijacking.
• Other advanced cyber intrusion techniques.

Authorities have not yet reached any final conclusion regarding the exact method used, and forensic analysis is continuing.

Financial Governance Perspective

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Conclusion

Kanpur Police continue to investigate the financial trail, digital evidence and technical aspects of the case. Any determination regarding the method of compromise or criminal liability will depend upon the evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.

Shunyatax Global Insight

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