Cyber Scammers Use New Trick: Ask for ₹2, Empty Your Bank Account

New Delhi: Cybercriminals have devised a new, cunning method of online fraud that can trap unsuspecting victims. They request a very small payment—sometimes as little as ₹2—under the pretext of processing a delayed delivery. However, once the victim pays, the scammers gain access to bank details and drain accounts of lakhs of rupees.

How the Scam Works

According to police sources, the fraud begins with a seemingly innocuous request. The victim is asked to pay a minimal amount, which they typically consider harmless. Once the payment is made, the scammer uses the opportunity to access the victim’s phone or online accounts, eventually transferring large sums from the bank.

Case from New Delhi

A recent case involved a 50-year-old man from Odisha, residing in New Delhi’s Prithviraj Raj Road area for the past 20 years. On 6th October, he sent some medicines via Speed Post to his wife in Odisha. By 11th October, the package had not arrived. When he contacted customer support via a number found through Google, the caller, posing as a Speed Post executive, claimed that the courier was stuck in Nagpur.

The scammer then asked for ₹2 to expedite delivery. Trusting the call, the victim made the payment through a fraudulent payment link. Initially, the ₹2 appeared to be refunded. However, on 14th October, three unauthorized transactions of ₹34,998, ₹34,999, and ₹29,000 occurred from his bank account.

The Method Behind the Fraud

Police sources explained that the scam works through the fake payment link. When the victim made the small payment, the scammer gained remote access to the phone, captured passwords, and exploited the account. This small initial sum acts as a trap to bypass the victim’s caution.

Expert Advice

• Always use official websites to obtain contact numbers for banks, couriers, or institutions.
• Avoid clicking on links, APK files, or unsolicited attachments sent by unknown individuals.
• Do not download apps or provide access to your phone on someone else’s request.

Authorities have registered a case under cybercrime laws and are investigating the incident. This scam highlights the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud and the importance of vigilance even against seemingly minor payment requests.