Pune, 19th October 2026: An 82-year-old retired principal was allegedly cheated of ₹3,93,997 after searching online for a courier company's customer care number to send a parcel to his son in the United States.
The victim, Vijay Gopal Shahu, a resident of Brahma Majestic Society on NIBM Road in Kondhwa, lodged a complaint at Kondhwa Police Station.
Shahu searched online for the contact number of DTDC Courier to arrange a parcel for his son. After he contacted the number, the fraudsters allegedly made a WhatsApp video call and asked him to download an app called 'Customer Support'.
They then instructed him to enter confidential bank account details. Using the app, the fraudsters allegedly hacked both his mobile phones and transferred ₹3,93,997 from his bank account without his permission.
Kondhwa Police are investigating the case. The incident highlights the risks of contacting customer care numbers found through online searches and downloading apps shared by unknown callers.