Lucknow: A case of large-scale cyber fraud involving identity theft and unauthorised UPI transactions has come to light in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow, where ₹8.82 lakh was allegedly siphoned off from multiple bank accounts of a resident using a fake profile on the FI Money platform.According to a complaint submitted by a resident of Campbell road, unidentified fraudsters allegedly stole his Aadhaar-linked identity and mobile number to create a fraudulent UPI ID — pepark-1@fifederal — in the name of “Pepar Kumar”. The accused also used an associated email ID to operate the account.The complainant stated that four bank accounts held in different bank accounts were linked to the fraudulent UPI profile without his consent.Between Sep and Dec 2025, and particularly from Oct 4-8, multiple unauthorised transactions were carried out. The highest loss of ₹7.32 lakh occurred from the Indian Overseas Bank account within a span of four days, while ₹1.49 lakh was withdrawn from the State Bank of India account over a longer duration.Cyber officials suspect that the fraud may have been carried out through a SIM swap, considered the most likely scenario in such cases.In this method, the fraudster obtains a duplicate SIM card of the victim’s registered mobile number using forged identity documents or by manipulating telecom agents.Once the duplicate SIM is activated, the victim’s original SIM stops functioning, and all OTPs and banking alerts are diverted to the fraudster, enabling him to create a UPI ID on platforms like the FI Money, link multiple bank accounts, and transfer funds seamlessly.Investigators are also examining the possibility of malware or remote access apps being used, wherein the victim may have unknowingly installed a malicious application through fake links, KYC update messages, or WhatsApp APK files. Such apps can allow fraudsters to read SMS messages, including OTPs, and even gain remote control of the device, facilitating unauthorised transaction.GFX:HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CYBER FRAUDSudden “No Network” can indicate a SIM swap. Contact your telecom provider at onceKeep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number secure, avoid sharing it publicly or on unknown websitesAvoid installing unknown apps or APK files, only download apps from official stores like Google PlayCheck your phone regularly for unknown apps, uninstall anything suspicious immediatelyRead bank SMS alerts carefully, even small or unfamiliar transactions should not be ignoredEnable banking alerts and app notifications, so you are instantly aware of any activityUse strong screen locks and app locks, prevent unauthorised access to your phoneReport fraud immediately, call cyber helpline 1930 or report on cybercrime.gov.inWARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORESudden loss of mobile networkUnknown apps appearing on your phoneUnusual SMS alerts from banksTransactions you don’t recognise
