Elderly Labourer Loses Rs 3.34 Lakh to Online Fraud in Indore

A 73-year-old labourer, Madanlal Chauhan, from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has fallen victim to online fraud. The incident occurred after he lost his mobile phone at the Dharampuri weekly market on March 16, 2025.

Despite searching extensively, Chauhan could not recover his phone and had to obtain a replacement SIM card for his registered number. However, the fraudster had already activated a UPI app on the lost phone and linked it to Chauhan's bank account.

Between March 16 and March 21, 2025, the unidentified suspect made unauthorised transactions, clearing Chauhan's savings of Rs 3.34 lakh. The fraud came to light when Chauhan visited his bank branch to withdraw money and discovered the unauthorised transactions.

According to the complaint, the suspect used Chauhan's lost phone and linked SIM card to set up a PhonePe account without his authorisation. The suspect then illegally transferred a total of Rs 3,34,270 from Chauhan's linked bank account.

Chauhan initially lodged a cybercrime complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Following a preliminary inquiry, the Sanwer police registered a case under section 318(4) of the BNS and section 66D of the IT Act.

The police have launched an investigation to trace the fraudulent UPI transactions and identify the suspect. The incident highlights the importance of being cautious when using online banking and UPI apps, especially for elderly individuals who may not be familiar with the technology.

The case is a reminder that online fraud can happen to anyone, and it is essential to take necessary precautions to protect one's financial information. The police are working to prevent such incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a separate incident, the Indore ED attached three land parcels worth ₹3.91 crore in a ₹307.44-crore bank fraud probe. However, this incident is not related to Chauhan's case.

The incident has caused significant financial loss to Chauhan, and the police are working to recover the stolen amount. The case is under investigation, and the police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect.

In conclusion, the incident highlights the need for awareness and education on online safety and security, especially among elderly individuals. It is essential to take necessary precautions to protect one's financial information and be cautious when using online banking and UPI apps.

The police are working to prevent such incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice. The case is a reminder that online fraud can happen to anyone, and it is crucial to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect one's financial information.

The incident has significant implications for the community, and it is essential to raise awareness about online safety and security. The police are working to educate the public on the importance of being cautious when using online banking and UPI apps.

In the end, the incident is a reminder that online fraud is a serious issue that can have significant financial and emotional consequences. It is essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect one's financial information.