Fake online life certificate scam drains Rs 2.40 lakh from retired police officer in Bhopal

A 66-year-old retired assistant sub-inspector of police was allegedly cheated of Rs 2.40 lakh in a cyber fraud case after being lured through a fake online pensioner life certificate link on Facebook in Bhopal’s Chhola area, police officials confirmed.

The incident highlights a growing trend where cybercriminals are impersonating official banking and pension services to target elderly users who rely on digital platforms for essential updates.

How the fraud unfolded

According to the police complaint, Jwalaprasad Patel, a resident of Shiv Shakti Nagar, Chhola, was scrolling through Facebook on November 8, 2025, when he noticed a post claiming to help pensioners update their life certificate for a nationalised bank.

Believing the post to be legitimate, Patel clicked the link, which opened an online form. He entered basic details including name, date of birth, email ID and mobile number.

Within 15 minutes, he received a phone call and a WhatsApp message containing an APK file, which he was instructed to download. After installation, another page titled “Life Certificate” appeared, prompting him to enter his Aadhaar number and mobile number.

An OTP was generated on his phone, which convinced him the process was genuine.

Critical mistake that enabled the theft

Mistaking the interaction for an official banking procedure, Patel proceeded to share ATM card details and PIN. He was also asked to upload his photograph, which he complied with.

Soon after submission, Re 1 was debited from his account. He was told the amount would be refunded within 24 hours.

However, he then received seven to eight OTPs in rapid succession, triggering suspicion.

Account freeze failed to prevent loss

Patel immediately contacted the bank helpline and got his account frozen. At that point, his balance stood at approximately Rs 2.45 lakh, police said.

Since the next day was a Sunday, the account could not be reactivated immediately. On November 10, Patel visited his bank branch and completed formalities to restore access.

Shockingly, on November 11, Rs 2.40 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from his account.

Police warning and official advisory

Police officials said a case has been registered and the digital trail is being analysed. Investigators noted that APK-based frauds allow criminals to gain remote access to devices, intercept OTPs and bypass safeguards.

<u>Authorities have reiterated that banks and government departments never ask users to download APK files, share OTPs, card numbers or PINs</u>.

Cybercrime experts warn that life certificate verification is being widely misused as a social engineering hook, particularly against retired government employees.

Why this matters now

With pension services increasingly moving online, senior citizens are becoming prime targets for cyber fraud networks. Officials urge families to help elderly members verify any digital request through official bank branches or government portals only.