In a recent incident of cyber fraud, popular film and television actor Rakesh Bedi and his wife Aradhana found themselves targeted. However, thanks to swift action by the Mumbai Police, they managed to retrieve the lost money within a week, preventing a sum of Rs 4.98 lakh from falling into the hands of the fraudster.

It began when Aradhana received an unexpected call from an unknown number on May 3. The caller claimed that she had mistakenly transferred Rs 4.98 lakh to his account and expressed a desire to return the money. Sensing something amiss, Aradhana promptly ended the call, stating that she hadn’t initiated any such transaction. However, the caller insisted she check the OTP sent to her phone, purportedly to facilitate the return of the funds.

To her shock, Aradhana discovered that Rs 4.98 lakh had indeed been debited from her account when she checked her bank balance later. Waste no time, she immediately informed her husband, actor Rakesh Bedi, and together they lodged a complaint with the Oshiwara police on the same day.

The police sprang into action, swiftly tracing the money trail to an eWallet on a third-party app. Acting decisively, they contacted the nodal officer of the app, instructing them to freeze the funds in the eWallet and return them to the source account, citing fraudulent activity. Additionally, they provided detailed case information to the app’s administrator for further action.

Thanks to the prompt intervention of the police, the entire amount was successfully reverted back to Bedi’s account, averting a financial loss. Mohan Patil, senior inspector of the Oshiwara police station, commended the quick action taken by the police team in resolving the matter.

This isn’t the first time Rakesh Bedi has faced such a situation. Earlier in January this year, they fell victim to another cyber fraudster, losing Rs 85,000 to an unidentified individual posing as an Army officer offering to sell his flat in Pune.

How to Prevent from such Frauds:

Being vigilant is key to preventing cyber fraud. Here are some steps you can take, to avoid being victim of such cyber criminals:

1. Verify Unexpected Calls or Messages: If you receive a call or message from an unknown number claiming unusual activity or offering unexpected rewards, be cautious. Verify the authenticity of the caller by asking probing questions or contacting relevant authorities.
2. Guard Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information like bank details, passwords, or OTPs with unknown individuals, especially over the phone or through messages. Legitimate organizations will never ask for such information unsolicited.
3. Double-Check Financial Transactions: Regularly monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice any discrepancies, report them to your bank immediately.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA wherever possible, especially for financial accounts and sensitive apps. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a unique code sent to your phone.
5. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about the latest scams and fraud techniques. Follow reliable sources of information, such as official government websites or cybersecurity organizations, to learn about common tactics used by fraudsters.
6. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut instincts and err on the side of caution. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or assistance from trusted friends, family members, or authorities if you’re unsure about a situation.
7. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect fraudulent activity or have been targeted by a scam, report it to the relevant authorities immediately. This can include filing a complaint with your local police station, contacting your bank or financial institution, or reporting the incident to a dedicated cybercrime helpline.

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information and financial assets, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber fraud. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to safeguarding yourself against online scams and fraudulent schemes.