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A woman lost Rs 87,000 in a lounge scam at Bengaluru airport after being tricked into downloading a fraudulent app. Learn how to avoid similar scams.
The Incident of Lounge Scam at Bengaluru Airport
A woman fell victim to a lounge scam at Bengaluru airport, losing over Rs 87,000. She tried to access the airport lounge but didn’t have her physical credit card. The lounge staff suggested she download an app called “Lounge Pass” for verification, asking her to complete a facial scan. Unbeknownst to her, this was part of a scam aimed at gaining access to her personal and financial details.
How the Fraud Was Executed at the Scam at Bengaluru Airport
Although she never used the lounge, the woman noticed that her phone stopped receiving calls. At first, she thought it was a network issue but later realized that strangers were answering her calls. After further investigation, she discovered Rs 87,000 had been charged to her credit card and transferred to a PhonePay account. It’s believed that the lounge scam at Bengaluru airport involved the app to hijack her phone and intercept OTPs for unauthorized transactions.
Immediate Action After the Lounge Scam at Bengaluru Airport
Once aware of the scam, the woman quickly reported the incident to the cybercrime department and notified her bank, which led to the blocking of her credit card. Despite the loss, her prompt actions helped minimize further damage. This lounge scam at Bengaluru airport serves as a stark reminder to travelers about the risks of digital frauds, especially involving financial details.
How to Avoid a Scam
- Be Wary of Unverified Apps: Always avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, particularly if they ask for sensitive information.
- Check with Official Authorities: Before following any instructions, verify with airport staff or service providers to ensure legitimacy.
- Monitor Your Phone and Credit Accounts: Stay alert to any unusual activity on your phone or credit card, particularly while traveling.
- Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you suspect fraud, act quickly by reporting it to cybercrime authorities and contacting your bank to protect your financial accounts.