Fraud Paytm Employees Rob Rs 5 Lakh From 6 Users In Maharashtra: KYC Fraud Strikes Again (How To Avoid It?)

Time and again, Paytm has published information on its app and website, asking Paytm users to not fall for any calls or text messages asking for KYC updation. This piece of article is a warning to you too, if you are among the ones using the Paytm app.

It has been found out that six people in Thane, Maharashtra were duped of Rs 5.04 lakh, from fraudsters allegedly posing as Paytm employees on Thursday.

6 People Duped of Rs 5.04 lakh

Fraudsters allegedly posing as Paytm employees on Thursday duped six people of Rs 5.04 lakh. This incident took place in Thane, Maharashtra.

One of the complainants filed a report to the police that he received a call from a person claiming to be from the Paytm team on December 29. The caller asked him to update his KYC.

He also asked the complainant to download the ‘Quick Support’ app on his mobile phone and make a payment of Rs 10 on it for updating the KYC.

The called further asked the complainant to share his Aadhaar and PAN numbers, which the victim did. Over the next two days, the complainant received several messages of withdrawals collectively worth Rs 1.2 lakh from his bank account, in denominations of Rs 9,999, Rs 4,999 and Rs 2,999.

In fact, when the victim reached the police to register a complaint about this, h efound 5 other people there with similar complaints.

Based on the complaints, a case was registered on Wednesday under Indian Penal Code Sections 420 (cheating) and 34 (common intention) and provisions of the Information Technology Act.

How To Avoid Paytm’s KYC Fraud

A number of similar incidents have been reported in the past as well, all of them mostly revolving around the KYC Update mostly.

The fake text messages that are sent around to Paytm users usually read, “Dear customer, your PAYTM Wallet has been Blocked and Hold. Your Amount Please Complete Your PAYTM KYC. Contact Customer Care 7827520873”. 

Genuine Paytm text messages are usually sent from ‘VK-PAYTM’, rather than an ordinary contact number. Paytm users should know that all updates pertaining to Paytm can be made through its app itself. However, if you are still in doubt about the message, you can always reach out to the Paytm customer care using the Paytm app on your phone.

Also, the KYC process for Paytm can be completed by visiting a nearby agent at an authorized KYC point or the agent will visit at your home. Users should note that Paytm will never call you and ask you to install any app or ask you your banking details on call.

Image Source