Credit Card Fraud in Ambala – A case of Credit Card Fraud in Ambala has come to light after a cybercriminal allegedly stole ₹1.15 lakh from a visitor’s bank account by promising a free Punjab National Bank (PNB) credit card. The scam was carried out using a malicious APK file sent through WhatsApp, which reportedly allowed the fraudster to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s mobile phone.
The Cyber Police Station in Ambala has registered an FIR based on a Zero FIR transferred from the Cyber Police Station in Panchkula and has launched an investigation into the incident.
Victim Tricked with Free PNB Credit Card Offer
According to the police complaint, Krishna Kumar, a resident of Gunauli village in Uttar Pradesh, had come to Ambala to visit his daughter Avni and son-in-law Sundaram Shukla, who live in Police Lines, Ambala City.
During his stay on June 23, he received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be a representative of Punjab National Bank and informed him that he was eligible for a free credit card because he was an old and valued customer.
To appear genuine, the fraudster used a WhatsApp profile picture displaying the photograph of a senior PNB official, identified as Avinash Raj, Chief Manager of the Patna Zonal Office. Believing the caller to be authentic, the victim continued the conversation.
APK File Used to Hack Mobile Phone
The caller then asked Krishna Kumar to install an APK file sent via WhatsApp as part of the credit card verification process.
After installing the file, the victim’s mobile phone was allegedly compromised. Within a short time, the cybercriminal transferred ₹1.15 lakh from his bank account in two separate transactions without his knowledge.
Realizing that money had been withdrawn fraudulently, the victim immediately approached the authorities and lodged a complaint.
Cyber Police Register FIR
Based on the Zero FIR received from Panchkula, the Ambala Cyber Police registered a formal case and initiated an investigation.
Police are working to trace the accused by examining the mobile number used in the scam, banking transaction records, and other digital evidence. Authorities have also urged citizens to remain cautious of calls offering free banking services and to avoid installing APK files received through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.
Police Advisory to the Public
Cybercrime officials have issued the following safety tips to help people avoid similar frauds:
- Never install APK files sent by unknown callers or WhatsApp contacts.
- Verify any banking offer directly with your bank’s official branch or customer care.
- Do not share OTPs, banking credentials, or remote access permissions.
- Report suspicious calls and cyber fraud immediately through the national cybercrime helpline or the nearest cyber police station.
The investigation into the Credit Card Fraud in Ambala case is ongoing, and police are making efforts to identify and arrest the accused.
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