Two top executives latest victims of online fraud in Mumbai

Two top executives became victims of online fraud when their cards were used in the United States and in European countries, when they were in fact present at their residences in Kandivli and Vashi on April 22.

The 39-year-old Kandivli resident, employed as a chief manager (claims) in a private insurance firm, was shocked to receive four transaction alerts for approximately Rs1 lakh on his registered mobile in 40 minutes, made on his Citibank Indian Oil credit card.

Before the fifth transaction could be completed, he contacted the bank's customer care and got his card blocked. "I was going to bed when I saw the text alerts. I received the first alert at 10.53pm for 8,985.54 NOK (Norwegian Krone) for a travel booking. At 11.25pm, I received the second alert for $183.28 spent on the viator.com site, while 676 Euros and 29 Euros were used for Ukraine International Al and E Bookers respectively, at 11.33pm," the victim told.

He said, "The customer care executive could have avoided three fraudulent transactions if he has reacted immediately. He told me to explain everything." The victim then approached the Samta Nagar police but an FIR has yet to be registered.

In the second case, the managing director of a financial company, Anupam Agarwal's ICICI bank credit card was used to make an online payment of $378.6. "Only one transaction was conducted. I received an SMS alert from the bank at 9.06am. I immediately got the card blocked and the bank gave a temporary reversal of the transaction, after assuring me that the transaction will be reversed after verification," said Agarwal.

Agarwal said he did not file a police complaint fearing police harassment. "It seems to be rampant with credit cards. Luckily, the bank has promised to return the money that got debited from my credit card account," he said.