Influencer Loses ₹1.1 Lakh to Cyber Scam After Clicking Fake KYC Link
Summary: Influencer Akanksha Thakral lost ₹1.1 lakh to a cyber scam after clicking a fake Axis Bank KYC link. She shares her experience in a viral video, warning others about message spoofing and financial fraud.
A sophisticated cyber scam recently left influencer Akanksha Thakral with a financial loss of ₹1.1 lakh. In a now-viral video, she recounted how scammers posing as Axis Bank officials tricked her into entering her personal details through a fraudulent KYC update link.
How the Scam Unfolded
Thakral received a phone call from someone claiming to be an Axis Bank representative, informing her that her KYC (Know Your Customer) details were pending. When she responded that she would update it later, the scammer called again in the evening, insisting the process could be completed remotely.
She was then sent a WhatsApp link, which led to a fake Axis Bank KYC page. Unaware of the trap, she entered her banking details, only to realize minutes later that her account had been compromised.
Immediate Financial Loss
Within 10 minutes, she received an alert that ₹50,000 had been debited from her account. In a panic, she tried to log out of all UPI apps, but the damage was already done. Another ₹60,000 was withdrawn, leaving her with just ₹800, which she quickly transferred to another account to prevent further loss.
How the Hackers Gained Access
Later, Thakral discovered that clicking the KYC link had installed a message spoofing app on her phone. This malware gave scammers full access to her financial details and transaction alerts, allowing them to bypass security measures and drain her account.
Lack of Support from Authorities
Frustrated, she approached the police and cybercrime officials, only to be met with dismissive responses. Instead of assistance, she was told:
“Ma’am, we get cases like this every day. How could someone so educated fall for this?”
Her Warning to Others
In her video, Thakral shared her emotional distress, stating that beyond the financial loss, she felt violated and tracked.
“I lost money, but more than that, I had that sinking feeling of someone tracking my phone. I rebooted it, but that creepy feeling remained.”
She urged people to stay vigilant, emphasizing that message spoofing is real, and no one should click on unsolicited links, even if they appear official.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Scams
🔴 Never click on links from unknown sources.
🔴 Verify bank communications by calling the official customer service number.
🔴 Do not share personal or banking details via WhatsApp or SMS.
🔴 Regularly update security settings on your mobile banking apps.
🔴 Report fraudulent incidents to cybercrime authorities immediately (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
📢 Stay alert and share this warning—cyber scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be a target!
Last Updated on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 5:29 am by Indian News Bulletin Team | Published by: Indian News Bulletin Team on Thursday, March 6, 2025 5:29 am | News Categories: News
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