Pune: Union Bank of India Faces Cyber Fraud, Transfers Rs 22.92 Lakh Based On Fake Email
Shivajinagar, 4th November 2023: A fraudster has duped the Sky Moto Automobiles Private Limited to the tune of Rs 22.92 lakh after sending fake email to Union Bank of India impersonating as the director of the company.
The incident occurred at Union Bank of India’s Shivajinagar branch on Ferguson College Road on January 4, 2022, leading to a case being registered against the unidentified individual holding the mobile phone and bank account.
The complaint was filed by Avanikant Niranjan Samantarai (37), a manager at Union Bank of India’s Shivajinagar branch.
According to Police Inspector Vikram Goud, Samantarai received a call on January 4, 2022, from an unknown mobile number, where the caller, posing as Vivek Sawant, Director of Sky Moto Automobiles Pvt Ltd, spoke in Hindi. The impersonator initiated a conversation about the company’s fixed deposit and interest on it, claiming acquaintance with Samantarai’s seniors and expressing an intention to meet later in the afternoon.
Subsequently, the impersonator called again, urgently requesting a money transfer, citing an exhausted chequebook. Given the caller’s earlier accurate information, Samantarai trusted him. The impersonator then sent a withdrawal request on a fake letterhead to the bank’s email, using a similar email ID matching company’s official one. The request instructed the transfer of 22 lakh 92 thousand 746 rupees to three different accounts, with signatures matching those of the company’s directors.
Around 7:30 in the evening, the company officials contacted the bank, questioning the basis of the significant transactions. Samantarai, under the impression of a legitimate request, mentioned receiving an email from the company, providing details about the payment. However, the company denied sending any such communication, prompting a verification process in the bank. It was revealed that the email ID was fraudulent.
A complaint has been filed at Shivajinagar police station, leading to the registration of a case under IPC sections 419, 420, 465, 468, 471, 34 and IT Act sections 66A, and 66D. Further investigation is being conducted by Police Inspector (Crime) Vikram Goud.
