Actor Arjun Bijlani Becomes Victim of Cyber Fraud
In a recent incident, renowned actor Arjun Bijlani fell victim to a cyber fraud that resulted in the unauthorized use of his credit card. As Bijlani recounted the harrowing experience, he revealed that multiple fraudulent transactions were made on his credit card while he was engaged in a workout session at the gym.
Unauthorized Transactions on Credit Card
My credit card was securely in my possession the entire time, and I was exercising at the gym. During a brief break, I checked my phone and was alarmed to find a barrage of messages indicating that my credit card had been swiped multiple times within the span of minutes, Bijlani explained.
To his surprise, his wife, who possessed a supplementary card, confirmed that her card was also with her, eliminating the possibility of physical theft. This led Bijlani to conclude that his credit card information had been compromised through a data breach or other malicious means.
Prompt Action and Vigilance
Bijlani's vigilance proved crucial in mitigating the potential financial damage caused by the cyber fraud. Upon receiving the alarming messages from his bank, he swiftly took action by blocking his card to prevent further unauthorized transactions. He also promptly reported the incident to the cybercrime cell for investigation.
This incident served as a wake-up call for me. Imagine if I had been asleep at the time? Many people neglect to pay attention to messages from banks, but I've realized how critical it is to monitor these texts, Bijlani emphasized. Fortunately, I noticed the suspicious activity early on, and only seven to eight transactions had occurred by that point. Each transaction ranged from three to five thousand rupees, amounting to a total of approximately 40,000 rupees. My credit card has a substantial limit of 10-12 lakhs, so the situation could have been far more severe if I had not checked my phone promptly.
Concerns Over Digital Security
The incident has raised concerns about the security loopholes associated with digital transactions. Bijlani highlighted the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard personal finances in the digital age.
There is a security protocol in place that requires an OTP (One-Time Password) before any credit card transaction is authorized. However, I am perplexed as to how these transactions were processed without me providing a single OTP, Bijlani remarked.
Importance of Regular Card Changes
To enhance security and reduce the risk of future cyber fraud, Bijlani advises individuals to regularly change their credit cards. I intend to change my credit card every six months going forward. By canceling your existing card and reapplying, you can obtain a new one within a matter of days. Online fraud is rampant these days, even with the supposed protection of OTPs, he added.
Collaborative Efforts for Recovery
As Bijlani navigates the aftermath of the cyber fraud, he remains hopeful that the collaborative efforts of banks and cybercrime cells will lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators and the recovery of his stolen funds.
The bank and cybercrime cell are diligently working to apprehend the fraudsters and recover my money. There is a specific process that must be followed. I filed a complaint online with the cybercrime cell, which is then forwarded to the bank for further investigation. If the perpetrators are apprehended, there is a strong possibility of recovering the stolen funds, Bijlani concluded.
